Hidden away in the extra features of Marvel’s Studio’s Avengers: Infinity War is a mini-documentary titled “Strange Alchemy.”

The movie producer and directors describe strange alchemy as “combining things that don’t seem like they belong together.”

By putting characters together in unique combinations, fans benefited from odd combos that create tension, humor, and uncertainty.

Strange alchemy has entertainment value. The movie did over two billion at the box office and served as the setup for Avengers: Endgame, which did 2.8 billion.

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Strange alchemy also works for individuals.

You just need to trade characters for characteristics.

• The data analyst with a knack for sales.
• The technical accountant with theatrical public speaking skills.
• The financial leader with that can create artful visualizations.
• The executive assistant that is also a skilled photographer.

The combinations are endless.

The responsibility is two-fold.

Individuals should spend time reflecting and seeking feedback from others to understand their strange alchemy. Worry less about same-ness and more about being able to articulate your unique combination of characteristics.

Employers, hiring managers, and leaders should do the same from the other side of the table. Reflect on the strange alchemy that you would love to add to your team. Your team probably needs some strange alchemy – you just need to spend time defining and searching for it.