Howard Gardner: Forming a synergistic team

For many years I have hired research assistants. In the past, without realizing it, I always was looking for someone like me, with the same strengths, mode of communication and the like. This tendency continued even after I arrived at my theory of multiple intelligences. But about 15 years ago, I realized that it was pointless to try to duplicate myself - one of me sufficed. Now, drawing on the practical implications of "Multiple Intelligences theory" I think much more about individuals' different strengths and profiles and how to put together an effective and synergistic team. That said, I still depend on complete trustworthiness and sense of responsibility - those remain non-negotiable.

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Howard Gardner is Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at Harvard University. He is the author of many books on intelligence, creativity, leadership, and, more recently, professional ethics.

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