We like the idea of the lone genius, that one person who developed a game-changing innovation. But whether or not we realize it, research shows that creativity is collaborative.

Yep. You heard that right. And we have lots of examples: the development of the airplane, the Internet, the mountain bike, and so many more.

We’re schooled in the notion that creativity is an individual thing, yet research shows, again and again, that it’s not. Instead, it’s through connecting with others, then working alone, and then connecting again, that we innovate.

Keith Sawyer has studied groups and creativity for decades. His book, Group Genius: The Creative Power of Collaboration, elucidates what group genius looks like, why it works, and what it takes to cultivate it, so we can develop game-changing innovations.

This book changed how I see groups, creativity, and the connection between the two, and the research findings are fascinating.

Episode Links

Group Creativity and Collaboration

Everyone Can Be More Creative – But Not Alone

Being More Creative in Everyday Life is Simple

Interview with Moshe Bar

The Team

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