The Collective Edge

Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups

De: Colin M. Fisher

Narrado por: Colin M. Fisher

“An eye-opening guide to making teams more than the sum of their individual parts. Essential reading for creators, builders, and leaders.”—Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive and The Power of Regret

The definitive guide to the surprising science of group dynamics, and the ultimate resource for building high-performing teams, communities, and organizations

Why are groups so hard? From boring work meetings to dysfunctional families to warring nations, group dynamics shape every aspect of our lives. How can we avoid the common pitfalls of living and working together and get the most from our groups? The solution isn’t to change individuals—it’s to understand the world from a collective perspective.

In The Collective Edge, Colin Fisher, one of the world’s foremost experts on group dynamics, distills decades of research into practical strategies to help groups function at their highest levels. Through case studies from billion-dollar companies, boutique design firms, great basketball teams, and Star Trek villains, Fisher reveals how to compete without dysfunctional conflict within groups, why conformity pressure can sometimes be positive, and why effective group leadership often comes down to structure and organization instead of motivational speeches.

The secret to getting the most from your groups is knowing how to work with the invisible forces of group dynamics instead of being mindlessly pushed around by them. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or simply interested in better understanding how groups work, The Collective Edge provides essential wisdom that will help your groups unlock their true potential.

©2025 Colin M. Fisher (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“If you’ve ever wondered why some groups spark brilliance while others remain stuck in mediocrity, this book has your answer. Fisher has distilled decades of research into a practical, eye-opening guide to making teams more than the sum of their individual parts. The Collective Edge is essential reading for creators, builders, and leaders.”—Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive and The Power of Regret

“A winner. Every important finding from a century of research on groups can be found in its thoroughly enjoyable pages. The Collective Edge is a must-read for anyone who wants to unravel the mysteries of human groups.”—Amy C. Edmondson, Professor of Leadership, Harvard Business School, and author of The Fearless Organization and Right Kind of Wrong

“A thought-provoking read about how a group becomes more than the sum of its parts. Colin Fisher has done a deep dive into the dynamics of successful teams, and in this book he shares his most illuminating and useful discoveries.”—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Hidden Potential, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

A Practical, Insightful Look at the Power of Teams

Dr. Colin M. Fisher a jazz trumpeter turned academic at University College London brings a compelling blend of creativity and scholarship to his exploration of what makes groups truly effective. Divided into four parts: Cooperation, Conformity, Competition, and Leading Groups the book is rich with structured insights grounded in decades of research, Dr. Fisher argues that groups can achieve far more than individuals working alone, but only when dynamics are properly understood. He guides readers through how synergy can be built deliberately (instead of relying on blind conformity), how constructive competition within groups can spark innovation, and how leadership is often about structuring environments rather than delivering inspirational speeches. The narrative is enlivened by real-world case studies from Bridgewater Associates to The Rolling Stones, and sprinkled with cultural references, making potentially dense science surprisingly engaging.

Due to Dr. Fisher's background in jazz music gives this book a a rhythmic, playful quality—jargon-free, yet research-rich quality I greatly appreciated. Due to these factors I found the book to be both enjoyable and accessible.

The Collective Edge stands out as both a smart and stimulating guide to group behavior. It masterfully balances scientific insight with accessibility, offering "aha!" moments for anyone curious about how teams—or any group—can operate at peak effectiveness. From leadership design to managing competition and conformity, Fisher’s insights feel attuned to our collaborative age.

Whether you're a leader, team member, or simply intrigued by the hidden mechanics of groups, this book delivers thoughtful, actionable, and delightfully readable insights. For those seeking to elevate their group dynamics—or deepen their understanding of how people work together—it’s a compelling and enriching pick.