American writer Quote by Anna Quindlen
“The 1992 US Olympic basketball team is the best sports team ever, the equivalent of rounding up the greatest American writers of the last century or so and watching them collaborate: 'OK, Twain, you do the dialogue and hand off to Faulkner. He'll do the interior monologue. Hemingway will edit - no, don't make that face, you know you overwrite. And be nice to Cheever. He's young, but he's got a good ear. Wharton and Cather can't play - they're girls.'”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Sports Illustrated, 1992 (op‑ed) by Anna Quindlen
Comparing a legendary basketball team to a gathering of great writers illustrates the power of diverse talents collaborating toward a common goal.
In simple terms: Great teams blend varied strengths for excellence.
Key Takeaway
Value diverse skills in teamwork.
Themes
teamwork
creativity
collaboration
Mood
enthusiastic
critical
Type
motivational
analytical
When to use this quote
- project teams
- creative writing groups
- sports coaching
- company innovation
Key Concepts
synergy
interdisciplinary art
Questions to Reflect On
- What strengths do you bring to a team?
- How can you manage dominant personalities?
A Different Perspective
Ideal collaborations can be hindered by ego or hierarchy.
