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

In this episode of TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux sits down with Colin M. Fisher, professor, researcher, author, and jazz trumpeter, to explore what decades of research reveal about how groups actually work—and why so many teams fall short of their potential.

Drawing from his book The Collective Edge, Fisher challenges the deeply ingrained myth of the “lone genius” and reframes leadership as a discipline of design, not motivation.  Rather than focusing solely on individual performance, this conversation invites leaders to think like architects—intentionally shaping team structures, norms, and environments that allow collaboration, learning, and shared intelligence to emerge.

The discussion dives into why most teams are simply too large to function well, how hidden norms silently shape behavior, and why psychological safety is essential for learning and performance—especially in high-stakes, mission-driven fields like healthcare and Hospice.  Fisher also explains why many teams mistake harmony for effectiveness, how false consensus suppresses innovation, and what leaders can do to encourage healthy disagreement without creating division.

Podcast Insights:

• Why teams are often less than the sum of their parts—and how to change that

• How team size, structure, and interdependence affect decision-making

• What leaders can do to surface unspoken norms and reset struggling teams

• Why trust is built through doing the work together, not team-building exercises

• How shared goals and interdependence help groups overcome polarization and silos

This episode offers a powerful shift in perspective—from managing individuals to unlocking the collective intelligence of groups.  For leaders who want better collaboration, stronger teams, and more durable results, this conversation provides research-backed clarity and practical guidance that can be applied immediately.

Guest

Colin M. Fisher

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

Biography

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The Collective Edge: Unlocking the
Secret Power of Groups

Host

Chris Comeaux
MLAS, CPA
President / CEO    TCN / TCG

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