"People Can Be Discovered, Not Changed": Oliver on Talent and Teams

When it comes to understanding talent and building strong teams, Oliver has a simple yet profound insight:
"People can only be discovered, not changed."

This statement reflects Oliver’s belief that every individual is a unique mix of strengths and weaknesses. Rather than trying to mold people into something they are not, the key to building a great team lies in discovering and amplifying their unique talents.

"A great team," Oliver explains, "is one that attracts the right people and continuously uncovers the brilliance within each member."

Let’s unpack this idea and explore how it can transform the way we think about talent, leadership, and teamwork.

1. The Reality of Human Nature: Strengths and Weaknesses

Oliver’s philosophy starts with a fundamental truth about human nature: everyone is a mix of strengths and weaknesses.

• Strengths: Every person has unique talents, skills, and qualities that make them valuable.
• Weaknesses: At the same time, no one is perfect—everyone has limitations and areas where they struggle.

Oliver points out that trying to "change" someone often leads to frustration and wasted effort. Instead, the focus should be on discovering and leveraging their strengths while managing their weaknesses.

Oliver Pan reflects:
"People are not blank slates to be rewritten—they are treasures to be uncovered. The role of a leader is not to change people, but to see them clearly and help them shine."

• Key Insight: The potential of a person is already there—it just needs to be discovered and nurtured.

Key Takeaway

Great teams are built by recognizing and amplifying the strengths of their members, not by trying to fix their weaknesses.

2. The Trap of "Fixing" People: Why It Doesn’t Work

Many leaders and organizations fall into the trap of trying to "fix" people—focusing on their weaknesses and attempting to turn them into something they are not. This approach often backfires for several reasons:

1. It Ignores Natural Strengths

• When the focus is on fixing weaknesses, a person’s natural talents are often overlooked or underutilized.
• This leads to frustration for both the individual and the team.

2. It Creates Resistance

• People naturally resist being changed or "fixed," especially when the changes don’t align with their core identity.
• This resistance can lead to disengagement and a lack of motivation.

3. It Wastes Time and Energy

• Instead of investing in areas where a person can excel, time and energy are wasted on trying to improve areas where they may never be strong.

Oliver Pan advises:
"Trying to fix people is like trying to turn a fish into a bird. Instead, let the fish swim and the bird fly. That’s how you build a team that soars."

• Key Insight: Focusing on weaknesses limits potential. Emphasizing strengths unlocks it.

Key Takeaway

Stop trying to fix people. Instead, focus on discovering and leveraging what they naturally do best.

3. Building a Great Team: The Power of Discovery

Oliver believes that building a great team is not about changing people—it’s about discovering the right people and creating an environment where their strengths can shine. This involves two key steps:

1. Attract the Right People

• A successful team starts with attracting individuals whose strengths align with the team’s goals and values.
• This requires clarity about what the team needs and a commitment to finding people who fit those needs.

2. Discover and Amplify Strengths

• Once the right people are in place, the focus shifts to discovering their unique talents and helping them grow.
• This involves:
  • Providing opportunities for individuals to showcase their strengths.
  • Offering feedback and support to help them refine and expand their skills.
  • Creating a culture that celebrates diversity and individuality.

Oliver Pan explains:
"A great team is like a garden. Each plant has its own unique beauty and purpose. The gardener’s job is not to change the plants, but to nurture them so they can flourish."

• Key Insight: A team’s success depends on its ability to attract, discover, and amplify the strengths of its members.

Key Takeaway

Great teams are built through discovery, not transformation. Focus on finding the right people and helping them shine.

4. Practical Advice: Leading with Discovery

Oliver offers practical advice for leaders and team builders who want to embrace the philosophy of discovery:

1. Focus on Fit, Not Perfection

• When hiring or assembling a team, look for individuals whose strengths align with the team’s needs.
• Don’t expect perfection—look for potential.

2. Ask the Right Questions

• Instead of asking, "How can I change this person?" ask:
  • "What are their unique strengths?"
  • "How can I create an environment where they can thrive?"

3. Embrace Diversity

• A great team is not made up of identical individuals—it’s made up of people with complementary strengths.
• Celebrate differences and find ways to leverage them for the team’s success.

4. Provide Opportunities for Growth

• Help team members develop their strengths by giving them meaningful challenges and opportunities to learn.
• Offer support and feedback to help them improve.

Oliver Pan advises:
"The best leaders are not those who try to change people—they are those who see people for who they are and help them become the best version of themselves."

Conclusion: Discovery Is the Key to Great Teams

In the end, Oliver’s insight is a reminder that people are not projects to be fixed—they are individuals to be discovered.

"A great team," Oliver says, "is not built by changing people, but by finding the right people and helping them shine. When you focus on discovery, you unlock the true potential of every individual and the team as a whole."

So the next time you’re building a team, ask yourself:

• Are you trying to fix people, or are you discovering their strengths?
• Are you creating an environment where individuals can thrive?
• Are you celebrating the unique contributions of each team member?

As Oliver Pan wisely said:
"People can only be discovered, not changed. Build your team on this foundation, and you’ll create something extraordinary."