Is a superstar more valuable than 100-non superstars? If you had the choice of either or, which would you go for?

Here is an article on the Harvard Business Review website that’s creating quite a stir on this subject. So much so that the author, Bill Taylor, felt compelled to publish a “part two” here.

With all discussions of talent and superstar behaviour, I feel people tend to miss the importance of context.

In different contexts (i.e. environments/cultures, plus general states of mind) individuals can excel or not. People need a opportunity and the platform / project / problem on which to demonstrate performance; either individually or within a team.

Individuals facing similar opportunities in difference contexts may not perform to the same level as before.

What I find particularly interesting is that someone who doesn’t perform exceptionally well at a lower level, can then surprise everyone by blossoming at a higher, in theory more challenging, level. One example I instantly think of from current Formula 1 motor racing is Kamui Kobayashi.

Environmental conditions are therefore significant in terms of empowering people to perform well; the talent, if there is any, is in recognising that argument and then having the guts to create an organisational structure where people can do what they are best at, appropriate to the task at hand.

This goes for every organisation you’re part of; business and social.

Well, that’s my view based on the research I did studing Talent development in some detail for my MBA dissertation. In the context of developing Formula 1 drivers, I found that there are distinctions to be made between “high-achievers” and others, however, invariably this was down them having massive opportunity to perform / practise their art (i.e. Gladwell’s 10,000 hours) and doing that within a cultural organisational structure that allowed them to fail.

Great topic … comments welcome.

Here is a link to the coverage on the BBC – a great video Map.

A truly inspiring project. I wish him every success.

Its a motorsports flavoured start to the year for me, off to various events / dinners next week. Looking forward to seeing some new technology and catching up with old friends.

Photo of Samir

The page “About Samir” has been updated.

Shame the songs not as awesome but video rocks …

Also of interest to me is the motorsports scene.  F1 is due for a shake up next season with a number of new teams entering – the first time in many years.  Already they are bringing some fun to proceedings with Virgin’s Richard Branson and Lotus chief Tony Fernandes poking a bit of fun at each other:  http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/80599

Of importance to my work life post-MBA, it looks like F1 is also set to embrace the online world too.  Fingers-crossed as I would love to be a part of the coming revolution.