TEAMWORK
                     TEAMWORK: THE POWER OF DIVERSITY 
 
The success of a company is heavily dependent on the people working there. A good 
team composition results in higher financial returns and innovative ideas. Thus, 
choosing people wisely for your team is particularly important. But what exactly is a 
good team composition? 
 
Inhomogeneous teams are more likely to generate higher performances than 
others 
A good team composition consists of diverse members which work respectfully with one 
another. It is recommended to have team members with different cognitive attributes 
such as different backgrounds, skills and experiences. 
Working with people who are different, widens your horizon. They challenge your brain 
and display you new perspectives. Within a team, this often leads to enhanced 
creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. 
 
 
 
 
Another source of diversity is given by different personality traits which are unattached 
to different background, race or ethnicity. According to Katherine Briggs and Isabel 
Myers Briggs, the founders of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), there exist 16 
different personality traits. These traits influence the way people interact with one 
another. Each type has something positive to contribute and can lead to more 
innovation within a team. Therefore, it is recommended to diversify your team in terms 
of different personalities as well. 
 
 
 
 
Lastly, diversity is further enhanced by bio-demographic attributes. Namely, race, 
ethnicity, age and gender. Teams with bio-demographic diversity can achieve high 
financial returns which are 15-35% more likely to be above the industry mean. 
Nevertheless, a positive outcome is not guaranteed for all inhomogeneous teams. 
People often feel more comfortable with people which are similar to themselves. A lack 
of attraction can result in tensions, conflicts and insufficient coordination. 
Thus, to successfully exploit bio-demographic diversity a workplace environment where 
all people feel comfortable with each other is necessary. Cultural differences need to be 
celebrated, team members need to feel valued and new perspectives welcomed.