375: The Hidden Power of Groups That Makes Teams Succeed with Colin Fisher

Sep 16, 2025

Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at University College London and author of The Collective Edge, dives into the hidden mechanics behind successful teamwork. He explains why groups are essential for achieving not just tasks but also creativity and emotional fulfillment. Colin discusses how clear goals and team structure lead to improved collaboration and engagement. He also shares practical tips on fostering psychological safety and effective communication, ensuring managers can unlock their teams' collective potential.

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INSIGHT

Groups Multiply Human Capability

Groups let humans achieve beyond individual capacity by enabling coordination across time, space, and expertise.
But collaboration requires deliberate work because humans weren't wired for modern, cross-boundary teamwork.

INSIGHT

Teams Meet Deep Human Needs

Groups satisfy core human needs like belonging and competence, explaining why we join and rely on them.
Teams also create tension with autonomy, so managers must balance group membership with individual control.

ADVICE

Prioritize Structure Over Pep Talks

First fix team structure before leaning on motivational coaching or pep talks.
Design composition, goals, tasks, and norms so coaching can actually improve performance.

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Groups are the foundation of everything we accomplish in work and life.

Yet, as every manager knows, collaborating with others can be both the greatest strength and one of the hardest challenges.

What makes some teams thrive while others struggle with friction and disengagement?

Fortunately, this week’s guest, Dr. Colin Fisher, has dedicated his career to uncovering the hidden processes that make groups effective.

Colin is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London’s School of Management, a researcher featured in outlets like Harvard Business Review and BBC, and the author of The Collective Edge. His work sheds light on how managers can structure and guide their teams to harness the true power of collaboration.

In this episode, Colin explores the dynamics that shape effective teamwork, from setting clear goals to designing the right team structure, establishing norms, and fostering psychological safety.

Whether you’re leading a small project team or a large organization, you’ll gain practical insights on how to unlock your group’s collective potential.

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Conversation Topics

(00:00) Introduction
(03:47) Why groups matter more than individual effort
(07:02) The benefits of teamwork beyond accomplishing tasks
(09:52) Two key levers to designing effective teamwork
(13:42) Why structure matters more than pep talks
(18:30) The critical elements of team composition, size, and boundaries
(22:10) How to set goals that are clear, challenging, and consequential
(26:50) Establishing effective norms for communication and psychological safety
(29:21) About Colin’s book and where to find more resources
(31:05) [Extended Episode Only] Resetting your team’s culture when things feel stuck

Additional Resources:

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- Read the full transcript here

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Keep up with Colin Fisher

- Follow Colin on X (Twitter) here

- Connect with Colin on LinkedIn here

- Follow Colin on Instagram here

- Visit Colin’s website here

- Check out his book The Collective Edge here

Bonus: Meeting Makeover guidebook

In lieu of a guest offer this week, I’m offering members of Podcast+ access to my brand-new Meeting Makeover guidebook. It’s a step-by-step workbook that empowers you to finally fix your bad meetings once and for all.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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