Colin Fisher in conversation with Bethan Staton
Dr Colin Fisher hosted a launch for his new book on the power of groups to an audience of industry professionals at the UCL School of Management.
In his book, The Collective Edge, Dr Fisher draws on decades of research across social psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, political science, neuroscience and management. He delves into the forces that shape group dynamics and how these affect everything from family relationships to frustrating work meetings and music bands such as the Rolling Stones.
The event, held on Tuesday 7th October at Level 50, One Canada Square, was introduced by Professor Anthony Klotz and featured a fireside chat moderated by Bethan Staton, Deputy Editor of Work and Careers at the FT.
Commenting on what motivated him to write the book, Dr Fisher said: “I’ve always been fascinated with groups. Going back to my days as a jazz musician, I’d be wondering why some groups seem to just click, regardless of individual talent, but sometimes you could play with the most talented individuals that you’d think you would play great with, and it just wouldn’t work out for whatever reason.
“So academically I’ve wanted to understand the conditions under which teams can improvise creatively. I refer to groups in the book because the term is more general, referring to broad social categories, whereas teams refer to these small interdependent groups who are working towards some kind of collective aim.”
Members of the audience posed questions to Dr Fisher on topics including how AI can affect group dynamics and performance, applying the book’s research to autocratic leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump, and the practicalities around managing the ideal group size of 4.5 people in real-world settings.
The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups by Dr Colin Fisher
