The Collective Edge

‘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’ * Financial Times, Business Books of the Month *
‘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’ * Mail on Sunday *
‘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
‘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’
– Katy Milkman, author of How to Change and host of the podcast Choiceology
‘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 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


‘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’

– Annie Duke, author of Thinking in Bets and Quit

Colin M. Fisher

Colin M. Fisher is an Associate Professor of Organisations and Innovation and PhD Programme Director at University College London’s School of Management. A former professional jazz trumpet player with the Grammy-nominated Either/Orchestra, Colin drew inspiration from musical improvisation to understand creativity, teamwork, and innovation within groups.

Across dozens of academic journal articles, his research has uncovered how groups navigate complex decisions, collaborate effectively, and produce creative breakthroughs. As a sought-after keynote speaker for businesses and governments around the world, Colin shares clear insights drawn from his blend of rigorous social science and deep personal experience in improvisational teamwork.

Colin earned his PhD in Organisational Behaviour from Harvard University. Originally from Redmond, Washington in the US, he now lives in Northeast London with his wife and two children. He can sometimes be found performing at jazz jams throughout London.

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