Since the dawn of time, humans have sought to understand their own nature. From the Greek philosophers to the latest advances in neuroscience, we continue to explore what drives us, inspires us, and makes us unique.
Each person is like an iceberg. This metaphor, popularized by Freud, reminds us that what we see—skills, behaviors, technical knowledge—is only a fraction of who we are. What truly defines a person lies beneath the surface: their motivations, values, fears, and experiences.
Thinking we can “fit” people into roles without understanding this depth is like navigating while only observing the water’s surface. It’s a risk that can sink even the best-laid plans.
The challenge of multipersonal teams
But this concept doesn’t just apply to individuals. It’s also essential for understanding how teams can unlock their true potential.
Here lies the real challenge: it’s not just about creating multifunctional teams but building multipersonal teams. People aren’t interchangeable parts, and their differences aren’t obstacles—they’re the engine of success.
For these unique individuals to work in harmony, you need more than technical skills. You need connection, purpose, and a culture that values each member’s depth.
Freud’s iceberg metaphor teaches us a powerful lesson: ignoring what lies beneath the surface dooms organizations to failure. But leveraging it unlocks the true potential of teams, transforming not just their results but the way they work.
From the visible to the essential: The diversity of talent as a pillar of high-performing teams
High performance isn’t just about efficiency or structures. It’s about people. It’s about understanding that the true strength of a team lies in its diversity, in connecting what motivates each member to the team’s collective goals.
The diversity of talent in a team isn’t just a list of skills or profiles—it’s the crucible where the best ideas are born. Just as Freud showed that what’s invisible in a person defines what’s visible, high-performing teams thrive by integrating what lies beneath the surface: unique perspectives, values, and individual experiences.
In this depth lies the true capacity for adaptation and creativity to tackle the most complex challenges. Ignoring these differences wastes invaluable potential.
Are you ready to look beyond the surface? Because in a multipersonal team: 1+1=3.
At Trascend, we work with you to build high-performing teams, aligning talents, motivations, and goals.
Contact us today, and let’s discover together how to unlock your organization’s full potential.
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