Believe Quote by Adam Grant
“To get important work done, most leaders organize people into teams. They believe that when people collaborate toward a common goal, great things can happen. Yet in reality, the whole is often much less than the sum of the parts.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Originals by Adam Grant, 2016
Leaders think teams boost productivity, but collaboration can dilute individual contributions, making the whole less effective than its parts.
In simple terms: Teams can reduce efficiency despite good intentions.
Key Takeaway
Assess team dynamics and foster independent strengths.
Themes
teamwork
leadership
productivity
collaboration
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advisory
critical
When to use this quote
- project management
- product development
- research groups
- nonprofits
Key Concepts
group dynamics
social loafing
synergy
collective intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance collaboration with individual autonomy?
- What structures prevent collective underperformance?
A Different Perspective
Team performance may suffer without clear roles and accountability.
