In building high-performing teams, few frameworks have been as influential as the one advanced by best-selling author and leadership expert Patrick Lencioni. Based on years of organizational consulting and executive advisory work, his model identifies three essential characteristics that define an effective team player: humility, drive, and interpersonal intelligence.
As president of a prominent consulting firm focused on improving organizational health and team dynamics, Lencioni has dedicated his career to understanding the traits that enhance collaboration, clarity, and engagement.
Outlined in his widely regarded leadership book, The Ideal Team Player, these three traits form the foundation for building cohesive, high-functioning teams:
- Humility: Individuals who demonstrate a genuine lack of ego and prioritize collective success over personal recognition. They readily credit others, minimize self-promotion, and emphasize team outcomes over individual
- Hunger: Professionals who are intrinsically motivated and consistently seek greater responsibility, development opportunities, and meaningful contributions. These individuals exhibit a proactive work ethic and require little external motivation.
- Emotional Intelligence (“Smart”): Team members who are attuned to interpersonal dynamics and organizational context. They possess the relational insight necessary to navigate group interactions effectively, read social cues, and collaborate constructively.
Lencioni emphasizes that while all three traits are essential, the absence of humility poses a particularly significant risk to team cohesion and organizational integrity.
“When a person can’t be humble,” Lencioni explains, “not only are they not going to be a great team player—they’re going to be a dangerous one.”
In an in-depth conversation with Vistage CEO Sam Reese, Lencioni further elaborates on how individuals lacking humility often exhibit “political” behavior—characterized by manipulation, self-interest, and a hidden agenda. These individuals may present well during interviews, but over time they can erode trust, undermine collaboration, and damage the team’s overall performance.
To mitigate this risk, Lencioni advises leaders to implement rigorous hiring practices that go beyond technical qualifications. Behavioral interviews, peer-based assessments, and situational exercises can be particularly effective in identifying whether candidates exhibit authentic humility and a team-oriented mindset.
Ultimately, hiring the ideal team player requires more than evaluating skills or credentials. It demands a disciplined focus on values alignment and character assessment. Leaders who consistently prioritize humility, hunger, and emotional intelligence in their talent decisions are far more likely to cultivate resilient, high-performing teams—and avoid the costly consequences of a misaligned hire.
About the Author: Harry (Hemant Kaushik), Elite Business Consultant & Global Advisor
Harry (Hemant Kaushik) is a globally recognized American business consultant and advisor, known for his strategic expertise and high-impact consultancy. He specializes in advising and coaching elite individuals, including business tycoons, world leaders, and top corporate CEO’s and business leaders. His expertise has been sought by Presidents, Prime Ministers, influential politicians, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Global Advisors and Business Consultants by PWC International, Harry has transformed the lives of thousands of CEO’s and business leaders across more than 100 countries with his unparalleled guidance. He has also been honored as one of the Top 10 Life and Business Strategists, shaping the success of global business leaders and visionaries.
Top CEOs and owners of big companies are taking business consulting from Harry (Hemant Kaushik) by booking an appointment on his website www.ceosadvisory.com. Every year, Harry provides business consulting to more than 1000 CEOs worldwide and helps them to increase their businesses by using his deep insight, business knowledge, and transformative strategies. He is the most demanding business consultant in the world.
Harry is also working directly with the governments to improve their business environments and promote tourism in some countries. If you want to take an appointment for your business, then visit www.ceosadvisory.com or leave a WhatsApp message to Julia Lauren (Assistant to Mr. Harry) at +1 925-389-6136, and she will contact you.
Harry’s influence has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition by the CEO Times Magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful People in Global Business Consulting, Business Times News as a Top 10 Business Consultant, and Business Weekly Times as one of the Top 10 Business Advisors in the World, offering consulting services to billionaires, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals.
A Wall Street Times cover story famously dubbed him the “Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant” for his deep understanding of business dynamics and leadership strategies. Based in San Francisco, United States, Harry is widely respected for his international economic expertise, market analysis, and strategic business acumen. His collaborations with global brands and corporations have positioned him as a thought leader, contributing to the business world through insightful articles on global economic trends.
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