Going Beyond the Average: Unlocking Potential in Your Team

All of us are familiar with the statistical concept of the average. Did you know that the US Air Force once banned the concept of the average? In the 1950s, the performance of pilots was not as ideal as the Air Force wanted, and they could not crack the puzzle until they found a link between performance and the cockpit design for the average pilot. Further research showed that no pilot among the entire Air Force fit the cockpit seat perfectly. In response, the Air Force banned the design of cockpits for an average pilot. Solutions like adjustable seats, which we take for granted today, were born. Performance soared.

Think about it. The average pilot doesn't exist. Each pilot has unique physical attributes, and expecting them to fit into a single mold wouldn't make them better; it would make them worse. This change was not about finding the 'perfect' pilot; it was about designing for the potential of every single pilot.

This resonated with a recent conversation I had with a friend who was about to start a new job that required her to manage several projects. She was excited about the scope and had come to me for some coaching advice. "Your team is made up of project managers who are all working on individual projects," I suggested. "But what if you could think beyond just your projects? What if you could be a horizontal resource point for the team, leveraging your unique skills to support others?" We explored the idea further.

What if each of them had a "superpower" – a specialized area of expertise? For example, one project manager might be the financial whiz, another could be the engineering guru, and the third could be the international relations expert. Instead of each project manager struggling to become proficient in all three areas, they could leverage their strengths to benefit each other's projects. This "superpower" approach would not only make their work more efficient but also create a more collaborative and supportive team environment. As the realization dawned on her, her eyes sparkled with excitement, illuminating a newfound sense of purpose and empowerment to transform her team's dynamics and amplify their collective impact.

Todd Rose, in his TED talk 'The Myth of Average', recounted the cockpit story as a way to challenge the conventional wisdom of designing for the average. Rose revealed how this myth is limiting our potential and stifling individual growth in our education system. Our classrooms are like the cockpits of our economy, and we are facing a major crisis in our education system.

Instead of blaming students, teachers, and parents, we need to rethink our approach. We need to move away from designing for average and towards individualized learning that nurtures unique potential, including recognizing that each student has a unique "jagged learning profile" and addressing weaknesses as opportunities to unlock hidden talent.

The power of moving beyond average extends far beyond the military and education sectors, and has a profound impact on leadership development, where it can be a game-changer in unlocking human potential. Instead of forcing individuals into predetermined molds, we can embrace their unique strengths and talents. By shifting our focus from average to potential, we can unlock a world of possibilities.

Think of your team as a masterpiece of art, with each member being a unique brushstroke. If you only use one color or one brushstroke, the painting will be dull and lackluster. But when you combine different colors and brushstrokes, you create a vibrant and breathtaking work of art. Similarly, when you empower each team member to contribute their unique strengths, you create a team that is greater than the sum of its parts—a team that is truly exceptional.

By building teams on collaboration, empowerment, and individuality, let's ask ourselves: "What unique strengths, or superpower, can each individual bring to the table?" and "How can we empower them to reach new heights?" Create a culture that celebrates the extraordinary in each of us, moving beyond average to greatness.