TheIdealTeamPlayer

I recently read The Ideal Team Player:  How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues by Patrick Lencioni (2016).  

I became a fan of PL's thinking from a previous book he wrote on the topic of dysfunctional teams.  

In this work, PL starts the book out in novel-like form, telling the story of a business owner attempting to ensure quality leadership succession in his organization.  From that "story" PL then launches into a discussion of how organizational leaders can better recognize, recruit, and cultivate team players that have the qualities most likely to affect high performance.

What are those qualities, you say?  PL terms them the "Three Essential Virtues," and here they are:
> Humble - folks who focus on the success of the team more than their own
> Hungry - voracious learners and gitter-doners, work horses not show horses 
> Smart - those who are relationally appropriate and aware, who play well with others

I've worked with some of those characters over the years.  A palpable and productive pleasure.

The book is an excellent study in team chemistry and personnel selection.  PL even includes thoughts on interviewing and the application of the concepts in the team setting.