You likely know what it's like to be stuck in an airport waiting for a delayed plane. Sometimes good company makes this frustrating situation a little more palatable, and other times your airport company is a bit less enjoyable. Maybe you can relate to both scenarios. But have you ever selected someone for your team because you thought you could enjoy being stuck in an airport with them? This is an actual screening technique, commonly known as the airport test. It can create teams who bond easily and have a really great time together, but there's a problem. People often prefer others who think a lot like them—this is called the similarity bias.50 And it might be okay to limit your company to those that think like you if you're just waiting for a delayed plane or maybe having a drink in the airport bar, but if your team has some really challenging problems to solve, homogeneity is unlikely to do you a lot of favors. Indeed, just the opposite may be what you need.
We're not suggesting there aren't any benefits at all to working with people who have a similar perspective. It can be very comforting and even productive. If you're a creative type, being around other creatives can inspire you to new heights of innovation. If you're a detail person, it can be a relief to work with ...
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