The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups

The definitive guide to the surprising science of group dynamics, and the ultimate resource for building high-performing teams, communities, and organisations   ‘Essential reading for creators, builders, and leaders’ DANIEL H. PINK, author of Drive   ‘A deep dive into the dynamics of successful teams' ADAM GRANT, author of Think Again   Our lives are full of groups, and they’re not easy. Families are complex, workplaces are challenging – and yet these dynamics shape us. So 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 think about the collective.   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 that include billion-dollar companies, boutique design firms and great sports teams, Fisher reveals how to compete without dysfunctional conflict, 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 unconsciously pushed around by them. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or simply want to explore a different way of thinking, The Collective Edge provides essential wisdom that will forever change the way you live and work.  

Review :
‘Fisher explores different types of groups, whether sports teams or scientists, showing that identifying a clear purpose and defined outcomes is key . . . he makes the case for the importance of competition within a collective environment, and warns against the dark heart that can lie within unquestioning conformity. The book is rounded out with a section on leadership and how to put collective perspective into action . . . Fisher’s irreverent writing approach and pop culture references make the topic palatable, and enjoyable’  ‘The book is an essential guide for anyone who’s tried and failed to work out why some groups capture elusive energy, and some are so dysfunctional . . . Fisher is an engaging writer . . . if you’re thinking of moving into a leadership role, or wondering how you’re going to get your family to knuckle down to chores – or indeed you have your eye on being in the next series of Traitors – then this could well be your go-to’ ‘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’   ‘Captivating, evidence-based, and packed with insights to help you boost the performance of every group and team you value, The Collective Edge is a must-read. Collaboration has never mattered more, and Fisher offers a phenomenal, science-backed guide to how groups really work – and how to make yours thrive’   ‘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’   ‘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’ ‘Brilliant, grounded, and full of aha moments, The Collective Edge is the new standard for understanding group behaviour. This is a vibrant, research-rich dive into what makes teams flourish. A must-read for team leaders and collaborators alike’