Hi, Paul - excellent post:)

I do not remember ever seeing the word "complimentary" used in connection with team building or people fit for positions, but it makes perfect sense and is a good word to use.

When we complement each other, we are using our strengths exactly as we should ... to fill in the performance gaps or needs of the larger organism.

I would add that "complimenary" does not equate to "thinks and acts just like me", as some managers appear to believe is the ultimate fit.

In one workplace, one of the most common ways to describe the environment was to use the phrase "We're just like a family", which I am no fan of, since a work group or organization bears little actual resemblance to how a family operates.  Actually, families are more often examples of how workplaces should not be:)

However, in this case, it worked.

When they said "family", they were actually talking about something very similar to what you describe:  A group of folks focused on a common goal, who are working together with little conflict or competition.   Because of this, that workplace was like an idealized family, in that the best aspects of close connection to others in a distinct group existed.

You have nicely broken down the distinct elements which contribute to effective interaction among co-workers, and the last thing you mention is the most important:  common values.   When a group agrees on the values, much else becomes easier and more flowing.

John