Nudge Why (often) you're less productive in a team
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Sep 15, 2025 Join Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at UCL and author of 'The Collective Edge', as he dives into the surprising downsides of teamwork. He discusses social loafing and how group size can impact individual contributions. Colin shares insights on when collaboration is beneficial and when going solo might yield better results. Plus, discover fascinating research on group dynamics, challenging the notion that teamwork is always the key to productivity. Unpack the delicate balance between collective effort and individual brilliance!
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The Double Helix Story Is Simplified
- The popular Watson-and-Crick origin story of the DNA double helix is dramatized and inaccurate.
- Historians show four scientists collaborated and Watson later retold a hero-centric version.
Breakthroughs Require Diverse Teams
- Scientific breakthroughs usually depend on teams combining diverse expertise, not lone geniuses.
- Groups provide complementary information and perspectives needed for hard problems.
Teams Produce More Impactful Science
- Analysis of millions of papers and patents shows team-authored work became dominant and more impactful over time.
- By the end of the sample, teams were far more likely to produce major breakthroughs than individuals.
