Send to KindleLeading Teams with Star Players
In just about any team sporting event you’ll hear about the Most Valuable Player, or MVP. It’s easy to conclude that without this particular player, the contest would have would have been lost. Perhaps that’s true but in the teams you’re leading at work, the concept of an MVP can be a sign of problems rather than success.
Let me explain.
Teams are made up of individuals who come together for a common goal. Naturally, some members will be more effective than others but the team is not a supporting cast for a single person. Each member of the team should have a specific contribution based on their own skills and expertise. It’s very easy to just allow one person to make all the decisions and try to force everyone else to their way of thinking. That isn’t really a team though.
So, what should you do if you have a real superstar on the team? First, encourage their work and let them know you appreciate their talents and abilities. Then help them understand they are part of a team and others have valuable contributions as well. They may not work at the same level and speed, but that doesn’t make them less important. Yes, that’s much easier said than done, though it’s easier if you’ve established a culture of inclusion from the beginning.
Remember, no matter how skilled or talented your superstar may be, if he or she alienates the rest of the team they will do more harm than good.
