The single most important factor in maximizing the excellence of a group's product was the degree to which the members were able to create a state of internal harmony, which lets them take advantage of the full talent of their members. The overall performance of harmonious groups was helped by having a member who was particularly talented; groups with more friction were far less able to capitalize on having members of great ability. In groups where there are high levels of emotional and social static--whether it be from fear or anger, from rivalries or resentments--people cannot offer their best. But harmony allows a group to take maximum advantage of its most creative and talented members' abilities.