Neil Armstrong thought that the Apollo 11 team they had a 90% chance of survival, but only a 50-50 chance of landing on the first attempt. Photo of the flight's engineering team shot by NASA engineer Ann Montgomery c 1968. Pubic domain.

Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg has identified three characteristics of the most effective executive teams. Yes, each team member brings an outstanding capability that complements the capabilities of other team members. Less obvious is the fact that energy on stellar teams is sparked by ""benevolent friction, conflict, impatience, and even well-intentioned intolerance"".

But I find it really interesting that the scale of the team's mission is as important. Big, hairy and audacious goals motivate.

Article: What Sets Genius Teams Apart