How long does Maxwell suggest it takes to assess if someone is better off on the team?

Maxwell suggests that it typically takes about two years to assess whether someone is better off on the team. This timeframe is significant because it allows sufficient opportunity to observe the individual's contributions, behaviors, and impact on the team dynamics over multiple projects and situations. In many professional environments, it can take time for team members to integrate fully, demonstrate their capabilities, and for their strengths and weaknesses to emerge clearly.

The two-year period also aligns with the concept of team development stages, where forming, storming, norming, and performing phases can uncover whether an individual will thrive within the team's culture and objectives. Through this timeframe, leaders can provide support and interventions that may further help each team member maximize their potential or determine if a fit is not present. This thoughtful assessment process is crucial for long-term success in team dynamics and overall organizational effectiveness.