An illustration of How to Boost Breakthrough Thinking by Enlisting a Motley Crew.

Enlist a Motley Crew Method 1: Reveal Your Superpower

An illustration of Enlist a Motley Crew Method 1.

Some of the characteristics that can influence one's perspectives on the world are visible—height is one example. Many others, such as values, are hidden. Often people aren't aware of all the important aspects of their teammate's identities or why they might be important in the context of a particular situation. But you can tell them!

How to reveal your superpower:

  • Step 1: Collect images of various well‐known celebrities, historical figures, superheroes, and/or other fictional characters.
  • Step 2: Ask each individual to choose one image that represents the unique perspective and/or superpower they'll bring to a meeting, project, or team.
  • Step 3: Go around the room and ask each person to share the image they selected and how they hope to apply their perspective and/or superpower to the task at hand.
  • Optional Step 4: Consider posting the images somewhere with the names of team members attached as a visual reminder of the diversity in the room.

NOTES:

Enlist a Motley Crew Method 2: Assess Your Team's Diversity

An illustration of Enlist a Motley Crew Method 2.

We ask in the enlist a motley crew chapter whether your teams are as diverse as Earnest Shackleton's ...

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