The Ideal Team Player: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of The Ideal Team Player, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Ideal team players share three virtues
Lencioni tells a story about a construction company to show what makes an ideal team player.
He argues that such people are humble, hungry and smart, and that the combination of all three matters most.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Humility puts the team first
Humble people focus on the team's success rather than their own credit.
They share recognition and admit mistakes. In Lencioni's view, such a person does not need to be the centre of attention and is happy to see colleagues do well.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Hunger drives effort
Hungry people are motivated to work hard and do more than required.
They take initiative. In Lencioni's view, such a person does not wait to be told, and looks for the next thing that needs to be done.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
People smarts build relationships
Smart, in Lencioni's sense, means being wise about people: understanding how one's words and actions affect others.
It is emotional intelligence. In Lencioni's view, a person with these skills notices moods, listens well and chooses words that do not hurt or confuse others.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Missing virtues cause problems
Lencioni explains that people with only one or two virtues cause different problems.
For example, hungry and smart but not humble people can be skilful politicians. In Lencioni's view, such a person may look effective at first, but they harm trust on the team by putting themselves ahead of others.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Hire for the virtues
Lencioni suggests designing interviews to identify humility, hunger and people smarts.
Hiring the right people strengthens teams. In Lencioni's view, asking the right questions helps a manager see if a candidate truly has these qualities, rather than just saying so.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Develop team players
Lencioni suggests helping existing employees develop missing virtues.
Feedback and coaching help. In Lencioni's view, a person who is missing a virtue can often learn it if a manager speaks honestly and supports them over time.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Make the model part of culture
Lencioni encourages making the three virtues part of everyday culture.
They should guide evaluations and decisions. In Lencioni's view, when a company talks about these virtues regularly and uses them to guide choices, the whole team learns what counts.
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