How do you build teams that truly work together instead of falling into dysfunction? In this Strategy and Leadership podcast, Dr. Colin M. Fisher—Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at UCL School of Management and author of The Collective Edge—shares two decades of research on group dynamics, creativity, and collaboration. Drawing from both his academic career and his background as a professional jazz musician, Colin reveals the science behind effective teamwork, why groups take on “a life of their own,” and how leaders can unlock their team’s hidden potential.

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In this podcast, you will learn:

☑️ Why groups are more than the sum of their parts.

☑️ How the first meeting sets lasting team norms.

☑️ The dangers of groupthink—and how to prevent it.

☑️ Why leaders must balance over-engaging vs. under-engaging teams.

☑️ Practical steps to structure tasks, roles, and communication effectively.

This video is for:

▶️CEOs and executives looking to improve collaboration.

▶️Team leaders struggling with alignment and accountability.

▶️Managers navigating group conflict or lack of clarity.

▶️Anyone interested in the science of high-performing teams.

About the Guest:

Dr. Colin M. Fisher is one of the foremost experts on group dynamics. A former professional jazz trumpet player turned academic, he is Associate Professor at University College London’s School of Management, where he teaches leadership, creativity, and organizational behavior. His forthcoming book, The Collective Edge (Penguin Random House / Simon & Schuster), explores how to unlock the secret power of groups. Colin’s work has been published in leading journals and featured in outlets such as BBC, NPR, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. He has also provided lectures and workshops to organizations worldwide, including IDEO, P&G, NHS, and BP.

🔗 Learn more about Colin: https://colinmfisher.com

🔗 Connect with Colin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmfisher/

About the Host:

Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience in strategy, he helps leadership teams around the world create alignment, implement successful strategies, and drive results.

🔗 Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

About SME Strategy:

SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in helping organizations develop and implement strategic plans. We facilitate conversations around strategic direction so leaders can focus their energy on what drives results.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator

Helpful Resources & Contact:

📘 More from our online courses: https://courses.smestrategy.net/

📩 Contact our team: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact

🎧 Podcast produced by: https://www.rednyne.com/

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