Margaret Heffernan, Writer, entrepreneur
The former CEO of five businesses, Margaret Heffernan explores the all-too-human thought patterns that lead organizations and managers astray.
Organizations are often run according to "the superchicken model," where the value is placed on star employees who outperform others. And yet, this isn't what drives the most high-achieving teams. Business leader Margaret Heffernan observes that it is social cohesion — built every coffee break, every time one team member asks another for help — that leads over time to great results. It's a radical rethink of what drives us to do our best work, and what it means to be a leader. Because as Heffernan points out: "Companies don't have ideas. Only people do."
I've always been intrigued by the dynamics of high-performing teams, and Heffernan's emphasis on social cohesion as a key driver of success resonates strongly with me. It's a refreshing departure from the traditional "superstar" mentality that often dominates workplace culture. While individual brilliance undoubtedly contributes, it's the collaborative spirit, nurtured through casual interactions and mutual support, that truly propels teams to extraordinary heights. It's a reminder that leadership isn't solely about individual achievement, but about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique assignment writer perspectives.