Ep 56: Colin Fisher – from solo brilliance to collective intelligence

Dr. Colin Fisher challenges the individual-centric mindset that dominates most leadership thinking and invites us to explore the untapped potential of groups. His research reveals that the real edge in performance comes not from solo brilliance but from the structures, norms, and shared purpose that allow teams to think and act collectively.Fisher also dismantles one of the most persistent myths in group decision-making: that advocacy—especially from leaders—is the key to better outcomes. Instead, he shows how advocacy often undermines collaboration and leads to dysfunctional dynamics. If you’ve ever wondered why smart teams still make poor decisions, this conversation offers a compelling answer—and a roadmap for building groups that truly outperform.* The “collective edge” is what groups can achieve together that individuals cannot—but it requires intentional design and leadership.* Group effectiveness is often overlooked in favor of managing individual performance, which limits organizational potential.* Effective group decisions emerge when teams treat problems as shared challenges, not as battles of persuasion.* Resist the urge to advocate early: Instead, invite diverse perspectives and let the group explore before settling on positions.* Model curiosity over persuasion: Ask questions that surface hidden information rather than pushing your own agenda.* Design group rituals that reinforce shared purpose: Start meetings with a reminder of the collective goal. Get full access to LeaderSHOP at podcast.leadershop.net/subscribe