Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups with Colin M. Fisher / Part One

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In this episode of Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux is joined by Colin Fisher, professor, researcher, author, and jazz trumpeter, to explore what decades of research reveal about how groups really work—and why so many teams struggle to reach their potential.

Drawing from his book The Collective Edge, Colin challenges the myth of the “lone genius” and reframes leadership as a discipline of design. Instead of motivating harder or managing individuals more closely, leaders are invited to think like architects—intentionally shaping team size, structure, norms, and psychological safety so collaboration and learning can emerge naturally.

This conversation dives into why most teams are too large to function effectively, how hidden norms silently shape behavior, and why harmony is often mistaken for real collaboration. With practical examples from healthcare, hospice, and other mission-driven environments, the episode offers research-backed insight into building teams that learn, adapt, and perform under pressure.

Episode Insights

•Why teams are often less than the sum of their parts
•How team size and structure impact decision-making
•What psychological safety really looks like in practice
•Why disagreement is essential for strong teams
•How leaders can unlock collective intelligence—not suppress it


If you lead teams, sit in meetings, or want collaboration to actually work, this episode will fundamentally change how you think about leadership and group performance.

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Guest: Colin M. Fisher, Ph.D. author of the book, The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.

https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership