An Open Letter to All Managers: The Secrets of High-Performing Teams

Dear Managers,

Have you ever wondered why some teams consistently outperform others? Whether it’s innovation, productivity, or the sheer ability to win, certain teams just seem to click better. The question is: What makes these teams so effective?

Historically, we tend to jump to two answers when exploring why some teams are more successful than others — Talent and Team Building. Let’s break down these two widely held beliefs and see how they stack up.

The Myth of Talent

The most common answer to why some teams excel is simple: Talent. We think, “If I hire the best, the results will naturally follow.” It’s like a sports team with a budget that acquires star players — on paper, they should win every time. But in reality, the performance often fails to meet expectations. Why? Because talent isn’t portable.

A wealth of research across various industries shows that picking up a top performer from one environment and placing them in another often leads to a drop in performance — not just for them but for the entire team. This happens because performance is inherently team-based. The star performer shines not just because of individual ability but because of the context of the team they’re in. Talent, as crucial as it is…