241. Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work Work

How to unlock the power of groups through collective communication.

They say teamwork makes the dream work. But as Colin Fisher knows, unlocking the power of groups requires a specific kind of collective communication.

Fisher is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London School of Management and author of The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups. His research reveals the dichotomy of group dynamics: "Groups can be the pinnacle of human accomplishment," he says. "But groups also have these tendencies to restrict us, to take away our individuality, and to sometimes make us the worst versions of ourselves.” The key, he argues, is fostering communication that maximizes the creative synergy of collaboration while minimizing the pressure to conform.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fisher joins host Matt Abrahams to share evidence-based strategies for effective teamwork, from selecting the ideal group size to fostering psychological safety. Whether with our coworkers, our families, or our friends, Fisher’s insights reveal how collective communication can make or break group success.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

• Colin Fisher
• Colin’s Book: The Collective Edge
• Ep.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments
• Ep.124 Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings  
   

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• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (02:26) - Advantages and Disadvantages of Groups
• (04:00) - What Makes Teams Successful
• (05:44) - The Ideal Group Size
• (06:40) - Building Psychological Safety
• (08:56) - Launching a Team for Success
• (13:17) - Making Meetings More Effective
• (16:32) - The Final Three Questions
• (22:39) - Conclusion

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