Chasing Excellence The Individualism Trap: How Modern Life Is Making Us Miserable (And What Groups Can Do About It)
Sep 23, 2025
Join Colin Fisher, a researcher and author of The Collective Edge, as he explores the impact of individualism on our well-being. He reveals how the rise of solo pursuits is undermining our happiness and the power of community. Colin shares practical tips on building better group dynamics, achieving psychological safety, and aligning team purpose. Discover how intentional norms and optimal team sizes can transform relationships, both in the workplace and at home, enhancing cooperation and problem-solving through connectedness.
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Individualism Masks Group Influence
- Humans are deeply social and shaped by ever-shifting group memberships even when alone.
- Rising individualism masks how much our identities and actions are determined by groups.
Match Composition To Clear Goals
- Match group membership to a clear, specific goal before forming the team.
- Choose people for the skills needed, not availability or politeness.
Optimize Team Size For Participation
- Keep teams small: aim for about 3–7 members, ideally 4–5.
- Split or form subgroups when numbers exceed that sweet spot to preserve participation.
