Why Most Teams Fail (and How to Fix Them) | Colin Fisher

What makes some groups thrive while others fall apart? Colin Fisher, associate professor at University College London and author of The Collective Edge, joins Kurt and Tim to explore not just what makes groups succeed, but more importantly, why they so often go wrong. Drawing on decades of research—and his background as a professional jazz musician (much to Tim’s delight)—Colin unpacks the paradox of collaboration: the same dynamics that spark creativity and innovation can also fuel conformity and conflict.

From uncovering the real villain of the Harry Potter series (hint: it’s not you-know-who) to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, Colin uses vivid metaphors to show how group identities shape our behaviors in ways we rarely notice. The real creative edge doesn’t come from lone geniuses, but from “real teams” working toward a shared goal. While most organizations fixate on process, Colin argues that structure—composition, goals, norms, and tasks—is the hidden engine that drives team effectiveness.

And of course, we couldn’t talk to a jazz musician without Tim steering the conversation toward music—and the parallels are surprisingly powerful. If we want to solve our toughest problems, we must learn to improvise, rethink how we form and nurture our groups, and lead with creativity. So grab your coffee (or tea) and tune in for a masterclass on understanding the invisible forces behind teamwork—and how to harness them for good.

Want to watch this episode? Check it out on our YouTube Channel!