Dream Teams

How do dream teams turn diversity, disagreement, and shared goals into success? Shane Snow offers the formula for all-star teamwork.

1. Diversity enriches teams by expanding problem-solving possibilities

Teams thrive on diversity. Varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives bring fresh insights and alternative solutions to the table. This principle applies to differences in gender, race, culture, and thought processes. The real magic happens when diversity challenges established ways of thinking, fostering creativity and adaptability.

For example, Chris Jung, a young female FBI agent, successfully served a subpoena to a Mafia boss by leveraging her distinct approach. In a male-dominated environment, her unique perspective allowed her to employ clever infiltration tactics rather than brute strength. Similarly, studies reveal that when people anticipate presenting ideas to those outside their group, they tend to prepare better arguments and refine their perspectives.

Diverse opinions force individuals to question their assumptions and push for stronger solutions. This was evident in a murder mystery study where mixed-political affiliation teams performed better because they consciously prepared more comprehensive analyses for diverse audiences. Diversity does not just add new layers to a problem; it sharpens the collective approach.

Examples

• Chris Jung’s undercover strategy at a Mafia wedding showcased the strength of diversity in action.
• Mixed-political teams in a study worked harder to devise better murder mystery solutions when presenting to opponents.
• Studies show diversity fosters resilience and innovation in solving problems.

2. Healthy tension and disagreement fuel innovation

Contrary to common perception, a bit of tension within a team can be incredibly productive. When individuals voice disagreements, they foster productive conversations that lead to better solutions, as long as discussions remain respectful. Silence, on the other hand, can allow problems to fester.

Consider the failed merger of Chrysler and Daimler in 1998. Instead of merging their strengths, cultural differences led to what Snow calls "organizational silence," stifling collaboration. Yet, contrast this with how the Wu-Tang Clan channeled internal differences into groundbreaking music. Arguments, used constructively, can energize groups and drive progress.

The Wright Brothers had an interesting technique to manage heated disagreements: they swapped sides in arguments. This role reversal helped them detach from personal biases and focus on evaluating the idea itself. It demonstrates that tension, when handled carefully, can unite rather than divide.

Examples

• DaimlerChrysler’s organizational silence highlighted the dangers of stifling internal tensions.
• The Wu-Tang Clan's ability to turn their differences into creativity revolutionized music.
• The Wright Brothers avoided toxic disputes by regularly swapping argument positions.

3. Playing together builds trust and reduces barriers

Play is one of the simplest ways to bring people together, erasing divisions and expanding trust. Shared activities, especially play, help team members see opponents as collaborators rather than threats. By creating "in-groups," play nurtures a sense of belonging and unity.

Buenos Aires in the early 20th century offers a perfect illustration. Soccer became a communal activity that connected diverse communities amid growing tensions. Beyond fun, this fostered empathy and reduced animosity. Psychologists explain this by analyzing the amygdala's response to unfamiliar people—play short-circuits our instinctive discomfort and helps eliminate distrust.

Even on a chemical level, oxytocin—the hormone linked to trust—is stimulated through shared activities, leading people to bond more easily. Whether it’s playing soccer in Buenos Aires or engaging in collaborative group games, shared play breaks down barriers and deepens understanding.

Examples

• Soccer in Buenos Aires unified conflicting communities by creating shared passions.
• Group play activities reduce anxiety caused by the brain’s instinctive response to “outsiders.”
• Games and shared activities generate oxytocin, fostering trust within teams.

4. Introducing fresh perspectives reinvigorates stuck teams

When teams repeatedly succeed, they risk stagnation. A "winning" formula rarely welcomes disruption, leading to routine thinking. Injecting new perspectives prevents these ruts and pushes teams to reevaluate their approaches.

G-Corp, a company reliant on a blister cushion’s past success, needed reinvigoration when sales declined. Outside consultants introduced focus groups involving blister-prone individuals. By stepping out of their comfort zone, G-Corp developed new products tailored to evolving needs, expanding their market.

Additionally, experiments show that adding a devil’s advocate to established teams doubles problem-solving success. When a new member challenges existing ideas, the group naturally sharpens arguments and critically evaluates their conclusions. Fresh perspectives ensure teams don’t settle for the status quo.

Examples

• G-Corp transformed its stagnant strategy by engaging customer-focused feedback loops.
• Devil’s advocates in problem-solving teams force reconsideration and sharpen ideas.
• Diverse focus groups led to breakthroughs in product innovation.

5. Outlandish ideas spark meaningful conversations

What seems like a bad idea at first glance can actually lead to valuable breakthroughs. Even ideas with no direct merit can inspire lateral thinking and positive results.

Take Kazimir Malevich’s Black Square painting. Though initially dismissed as meaningless, it ended up redefining the way art was conceptualized. Similarly, an outrageous plan to dome Winooski, Vermont made national headlines in 1979. Though the idea went nowhere, the publicity gained resulted in federal funding for a much-needed hydroelectric plant, fulfilling the town’s energy goals.

By fostering an atmosphere that encourages creative freedom, teams open the door to unexpected connections. Not all ideas work, but even failed attempts can reroute focus toward previously unseen opportunities.

Examples

• Malevich’s Black Square disrupted artistic norms and influenced global design movements.
• Winooski capitalized on a "bad idea" to secure hydroelectric funding.
• Creative failures often prompt lateral thinking, leading to practical solutions.

6. Superordinate goals unify even the most divided teams

When groups focus on shared, overarching objectives, differences often take a backseat. Working toward a common vision builds alignment between diverse team members.

For example, Andrew Jackson’s multicultural defense of New Orleans in 1815 included pirates, African Americans, and volunteers. Despite tensions, the group rallied around protecting their city and succeeded against British forces.

Similarly, experiments at a boys’ summer camp demonstrated how superordinate challenges, like fixing a water supply, converted adversaries into allies. Repeated collaboration helped participants trust one another and eventually dismantle their animosities.

Examples

• Andrew Jackson’s hodgepodge army united around defending New Orleans.
• Boys at summer camp found peace after completing shared problem-solving tasks.
• WWII allies overcame ideological differences to defeat a common enemy.

7. Intellectual humility strengthens decision-making

Acknowledging that one’s own views may be flawed improves team decision-making. Teams succeed when members approach discussions without rigid attachment to their beliefs, fostering genuine collaboration.

Malcolm X embodies the power of intellectual humility. Exposure to harmonious multiethnic communities during his pilgrimage to Mecca changed his perspective on racial separatism. Likewise, immersing oneself in unfamiliar cultures can challenge deeply held assumptions, encouraging growth and flexibility.

Through humility, teams can evaluate ideas objectively, promote rational debate, and ultimately choose the strongest course of action. Intellectual inflexibility stifles energy, but openness drives insightful exploration.

Examples

• Malcolm X transformed his views by experiencing life in Mecca and Africa.
• Immersion in foreign cultures positively shifts viewpoints.
• Intellectual humility allows for rational, solution-oriented debates.

8. Sharing stories cultivates empathy and trust

Team connections deepen when members share their personal stories. Anecdotes strengthen bonds and create a sense of shared humanity, making collaboration rewarding.

Studies prove that narratives elicit higher empathy and generosity than cold facts. For example, people who saw emotional charity advertisements donated more readily. Storytelling triggers oxytocin release, helping team members feel closer to one another.

The success of LGBTQ+ rights and Asian American representation underscores this idea. As individuals shared their experiences publicly, social biases dissolved. Within teams, storytelling can similarly foster inclusivity and understanding.

Examples

• Personal anecdotes in charity campaigns boosted donations and empathy.
• LGBTQ+ representation normalized acceptance in America.
• Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek challenged stereotypes and inspired diverse audiences.

9. Dream teams combine empathy, openness, and collaboration

A dream team is more than strong individuals—it’s a combination of qualities like empathy, adaptability, and open communication. By blending these elements, teams can create something greater than the sum of their parts.

From the camaraderie of soccer players in Buenos Aires to the intellectual humility of the Wright Brothers, Snow’s examples reveal what makes teams thrive. Collaboration goes beyond logistics—it's rooted in trust and mutual respect.

Ultimately, teams who listen, adapt, and embrace differences will outlast and outperform others. The more members grow together, the stronger the team becomes.

Examples

• Buenos Aires soccer dissolved divisions and built unity.
• The Wright Brothers prioritized balanced argumentation to avoid personal conflict.
• Teams with respect and empathy achieve greater synergy.

Takeaways

1. Encourage inter-team debates and role-swapping exercises to challenge rigid viewpoints and strengthen arguments.
2. Foster storytelling sessions in meetings to build trust, empathy, and shared understanding among team members.
3. Regularly introduce varied perspectives through expanded hiring practices or devil's advocates to spur fresh ideas.