Trivia night’s best-kept secret: The power of diversity
Updated: Oct 12
Every now and then, my husband and I join our neighbors for a trivia night at a local spot. We’re not exactly regulars, but when we do show up, we tend to make it count. And just a tiny humble brag—we’ve taken first place every single time! But here’s the secret: it’s not because any of us are super geniuses (though we do have our moments). Our real edge comes from being intentional about what each of us brings to the table. It’s all about the mix.
Our team isn’t made up of walking encyclopedias, and we don’t have ChatGPT whispering in our ear; instead, we’ve got a great blend of knowledge. One of us might know everything about country music and comics, another is unbeatable with movie quotes, someone else can name every philosopher from the 18th century, and I’ve got a knack for pop culture and top hits from the ’90s and early 2000s. The point is that each of us holds knowledge on those random, weird questions nobody sees coming.
Recently, a new neighbor moved in, and when he heard about our trivia nights, he wanted to join. But instead of asking when we play, his first question was, “What do you need?” He wasn’t just interested in joining the fun; he was thinking strategically—what’s missing from our collective knowledge, and how can he fill that gap? That simple question summed up why our trivia team works so well: we embrace our differences, and we know our strengths don’t need to overlap.
It’s not just about winning—it’s about learning from each other, too. Each trivia night is a chance to discover new things, hear different perspectives, and appreciate the unique insights everyone brings.
This got me thinking about how our trivia strategy is a lot like building a diverse team at work. When you bring together different voices, experiences, and skills, you end up with a team that can solve problems, cover blind spots, and see opportunities that others might miss. Here’s why that matters in both trivia and the workplace:
1. Diverse perspectives fill knowledge gaps
Just like in trivia, every workplace team has its own set of strengths and areas where they might be lacking. The magic happens when you bring in people with different backgrounds who can cover those gaps. Our trivia nights wouldn’t be nearly as successful if we all brought the same knowledge to the table. In a workplace setting, this translates to having a range of perspectives that challenge the status quo and open the door to creative solutions.
2. Intentional inclusion drives results
Our new neighbor’s question—“What do you need?”—was more than just polite curiosity; it was intentional. He was genuinely interested in understanding where he could add value. This kind of mindset is essential in the workplace, too. It’s not enough to have diverse talent—you need to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
3. Collaboration enhances problem-solving
One of the best parts of trivia night is seeing how we piece together answers under pressure. Someone throws out an idea, another person builds on it, and before you know it, we’ve cracked the question that stumped everyone else. This kind of collaborative energy doesn’t just make trivia fun—it’s a game-changer in the workplace, too. Diverse teams are often more innovative because they pull from a wider pool of ideas and experiences.
4. Diversity prevents groupthink
Winning at trivia means embracing debate—when someone suggests an answer that seems off, we don’t just nod along. We discuss, challenge, and sometimes change course entirely. This same approach is invaluable at work. Diverse teams are less likely to fall into groupthink because they encourage different perspectives, which keeps the team agile and adaptable.
5. It’s about more than winning—it’s about learning
At the end of the day, our trivia team’s success is all about recognizing and celebrating what each person brings. We win because we work together, not because any one of us has all the answers. But it’s also about learning from each other along the way. Each trivia night, just like every workplace project, is a chance to gain new insights and grow.
As I reflect on our trivia nights, it’s clear that our winning formula isn’t just luck. It’s the result of intentionally bringing together different voices, skills, and perspectives—and making the most of what each person has to offer. Whether it’s answering trivia questions or tackling business challenges, the lesson is the same: diverse teams are stronger, smarter, and better equipped to win—and to learn—every single time.
