Building a Mosaic

I had the opportunity to watch an artist put together a mosaic for a pendant. The diameter was only about an inch, so you can imagine that each piece of stone contributing to the mosaic was very small. Each stone fits together to make a unique design and, ultimately, a spectacular piece of jewelry. As I watched him work, it made me think about the importance of each piece and the role it was playing in the design, similar to the impact of each individual on a team. Everyone bringing their skills and talents and without each person, the team would be incomplete and the picture would look a bit different. 

When you build your team, how do you ensure the picture is enhanced? 

Are you deliberate about bringing people with different experiences together or do you focus on bringing people with similar talents together? 

How do you ensure everyone feels valued and their individual contribution to the picture is recognized?

I worked to foster an environment where each person’s unique talent or experience or approach was shared across the team. I would pair up individuals with different strengths and experience with someone who could grow in those areas but contributed strongly to others. Having a team with different expertise made for robust discussions and a learning environment. 

While I watched one artist begin a new pendant, he started with the backbone of tree and built from there. In my mind that reflects how a team is built. Start with a strong core and add on unique people to strengthen the existing structure. How does your team reflect a mosaic and combine diverse elements to form a coherent whole?