In my previous article, “Beyond the Code: Staying Ahead in an AI-Assisted Developer World,” I wrote about how human collaboration is one of the most important qualities needed to remain competent and prepared in our AI-driven world. Beyond technical skills, I wanted to highlight the human side of development.

In today’s globalized world, it’s no longer unusual to collaborate with people on the other side of the planet — something that became even more natural after the pandemic. I also explored this theme in my article titled “Why Problem-Solving in IT Is About People, Not Just Code,” where I emphasized that being a good team player is essential, both in work and in life.

Now, I’d like to summarize what Patrick Lencioni says in one of his [“unconference” videos] about the ideal team player, because collaboration isn’t just a workplace skill — it’s a life skill. I believe his ideas are highly relevant to anyone who wants to work and live successfully as part of a team.

The Three Key Attributes

Patrick Lencioni defines three attributes that are essential for effective collaboration — not only in software development, but in life in general: Humble, Hungry, and Smart.

1. Humble

Being humble means putting the team’s success above your own ego. A humble person is open to feedback and new ideas, no matter where they come from. They do the right thing because it benefits the team, not because it brings them attention. In short, humility is confidence without arrogance. Lencioni says that humility is the single greatest and most indispensable attribute of being a team player.

2. Hungry

The “hungry” person takes ownership and doesn’t wait to be told what to do. They naturally look for what needs to be done and go the extra mile — not because someone is watching, but because they care about the result. They are curious, constantly learning, and eager to improve themselves and the team. They’re not satisfied with “good enough” and are always looking for better ways to contribute. In a team, a hungry person is that reliable teammate who keeps things moving and motivates others through action and enthusiasm.

3. Smart

When Lencioni says “smart,” he doesn’t mean intellectually or technically brilliant — he means people smart. A smart person understands how their behavior affects others. They notice moods, reactions, and communication styles. They know when to speak up, when to listen, and how to make others feel valued. This is all about emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills — being aware, considerate, and tactful in relationships.

The Combinations of Traits

These three attributes together form the foundation of the ideal team player, but few of us possess all three in equal measure. The key is self-awareness: recognizing what we lack and being willing to grow. If you’re a leader or decision-maker, understanding these traits also helps identify who will strengthen or weaken your team. Lencioni illustrates this by describing several personality types that lack one or more of these key virtues.

The Pawn

The Pawn has only one trait: humility. They’re kind, modest, and selfless — easy to get along with — but they lack drive and people smarts. While pleasant, they often contribute little to the team’s overall productivity. Humility is essential, but it must be combined with energy and social awareness to create true value.

The Bulldozer

The Bulldozer is only hungry. They’re driven, ambitious, and results-oriented, but they lack humility and people skills. They push hard to get things done but often run over others in the process. While they might produce short-term results, they damage trust, morale, and teamwork over time — creating a culture of competition rather than collaboration.

The Charmer

The Charmer is only smart — great with people and entertaining to be around, but not humble or hardworking. They care more about their image than the team’s success and don’t get much done. While likeable, they’re unreliable and can drain a team’s momentum.

Mixed Types

Most people aren’t defined by just one trait. Here’s what happens when two of the three are present:

The Accidental Mess-Maker

Humble and hungry, but not people smart. This person means well and works hard, but their lack of social awareness often leads to misunderstandings and friction. They create problems unintentionally.

The Lovable Slacker

Humble and smart, but not hungry. Everyone likes them — they’re kind and emotionally intelligent — but they lack ambition. They do the bare minimum, avoid extra work, and rely on others to pick up the slack. They’re not harmful, but their lack of drive slowly weakens the team.

The Skillful Politician

Hungry and smart, but not humble — the most dangerous combination, according to Lencioni. These people are ambitious, engaged, and often appear highly valuable at first. But their charm and apparent productivity hide self-centered motives. Over time, they undermine trust and teamwork, pursuing personal advancement at the expense of the group.

Growth and Reflection

Thinking in terms of these three key virtues is powerful because they are not fixed traits — they can be developed. Through self-awareness, feedback, and practice, anyone can become a more complete team player.

Final Thoughts

No one is perfect. Nobody embodies all three virtues all the time. But if we recognize our weaknesses, stay open to feedback, and commit to growth, both individuals and teams will improve — and the results will benefit everyone. Lencioni says that if individuals, teams, and organizations lived by Humble, Hungry, and Smart (HHS), the world would be a better place. I truly believe that. And I believe most people can achieve it — if they really want to.

What do you think?