Researchers thought that great teams would be defined by the TYPES OF INDIVIDUALS on the team -- especially the types of high-achievers -- but what they discovered is that they are actually characterized by the TYPES OF INTERACTIONS AND MOTIVATIONS.

This study is not all good news, in my view. Some of these characteristics actually make it more challenging to integrate more diversity into teams, for instance. But this research does indicate that the no-assholes rule is super important to an effective workplace. Doesn't matter if the asshole is a 10x programmer, if s/he makes the team 10x less effective -- find a true individual contributor role or let the asshole go.

Sometimes the biggest stars are not the best team players.

I do like the rule of thumb that interactions and motivations matter. Context also matters.