The Next Big Idea Daily When Good People Make Bad Teams
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Sep 10, 2025 Colin Fisher, an organizational scientist from University College London and author of The Collective Edge, delves into the power of collaboration in realizing success. He debunks the myth of the lone genius, emphasizing how effective teamwork elevates performance. Fisher explores the paradox of group dynamics, highlighting how diverse talents can create synergy while cautioning against conformity's risks. Listeners discover actionable insights for enhancing communication within teams to boost effectiveness and innovation.
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Jazz Roots Spark Research
- Colin traces his fascination with groups back to playing jazz trumpet.
- His musician experience inspired decades of group research and consulting work.
Lone Genius Is A Myth
- The lone genius is mostly a myth; breakthroughs are usually collective efforts.
- Asking what group conditions enabled success reveals repeatable design choices.
Synergy Is Real But Elusive
- Synergy makes groups exceed the sum of individuals but is rare in practice.
- Coordination losses and low effort commonly prevent groups from achieving synergy.
