Fire and Framework: Building Teams That Cook

Who's more valuable on your team: the creatives or the structured people? They don’t always see eye to eye—sometimes their differences even lead to conflict. But I like to think about my gas grill in the back yard when it comes to the relationship between structured types and creatives.

My gas grill is a finely tuned stainless steel example of structure and precision. It has to be. It moves gas—a dangerous substance—from the tank to the cooking surface without creating an explosion. The gas must be regulated, the materials must withstand extremely high temperatures, and the entire system has to endure outdoor elements. It’s a small masterpiece of engineering. Yet, with all this structure and control, it’s really just a cold, useless hunk of metal without the fire.

Fire, on the other hand, is wild and dynamic. Left to its own devices, it grows and intensifies, refusing to stay contained or structured. That’s when it becomes dangerous, capable of destroying everything in its path. But when you combine the structured hunk of metal with the wild, unpredictable fire, you can create incredible, delicious food.

Without the fire, my grill can’t produce a thing. Without the grill, the fire would consume the food. But together, the result is beautiful. Structured thinkers and creatives are like that. One provides the framework and reliability; the other brings energy and innovation. When they work together, they’re capable of producing something extraordinary.

So, how can you harness this combination in your business? Consider intentionally pairing up some team members with these strengths. Who on your team thrives on structure and who thrives on creativity? Create opportunities for them to collaborate on projects that need both stability and inspiration. Encourage the structured thinker to map out the process while the creative brainstorms innovative solutions within that framework. By fostering mutual respect and aligning their contributions, you’ll see better results—and perhaps something extraordinary.