Surround Yourself with the Right Team and Succeed

Executives should be thoughtful about the people they select to be part of their leadership team. While it is natural to gravitate toward those who agree with us, that approach is not always helpful. A team composed of individuals with diverse perspectives generates stronger ideas, fosters critical thinking, and reduces the risks of groupthink—a dynamic that has crippled many once-successful companies.

Organizations operate in dynamic, ever-changing environments. When too many leaders share similar backgrounds and viewpoints, they tend to approach challenges from a narrow angle, creating a type of strategic blindness. True transformation and innovation arise from novelty, which is most likely to emerge from a diverse team.

Equally important is the personality of those you hire. You don’t want people who simply say “yes” to every idea, nor do you want individuals who rigidly reject others’ perspectives. Instead, aim for emotionally intelligent, knowledgeable, and critical thinkers who can balance ideals with practical execution. Debate is essential, but it must eventually lead to an actionable plan.

It can be tempting to hire people who provide little resistance or feedback, but in today’s world, leaders are hired for their expertise and problem-solving abilities. Hiring in one’s own image risks overlooking the talent necessary to help an organization adapt to shifting industries and marketplaces.

Finally, remember that teams must rely on one another and remain aligned with the organization’s mission. Leaders who are in tune with both employee needs and market trends are better positioned to generate meaningful solutions. The more members who deeply understand the organization at multiple levels, the better they can coordinate resources and drive progress.