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The Truth About Psychological Safety | Colin M Fisher
Why do brilliant individuals so often create dysfunctional groups? AJ and Johnny sit down with organizational behavior professor Colin Fisher, author of The Collective Edge, to unpack the science of collaboration and why most teams achieve less than the sum of their parts. From the rise of individualism to the misunderstood role of psychological safety, Colin explains why we get group projects wrong—and what it really takes to create synergy.
They explore why conformity isn’t always bad, how to design groups that avoid wasted meetings, why hierarchy quietly kills dissent, and how healthy conflict (not harmony) fuels breakthroughs. Whether you’re running a team, stuck in endless meetings, or dreading your next group project, this episode gives you the science-backed playbook for making groups work.
What to Listen For
[00:00:20] Why groups fail despite individual brilliance
[00:01:07] How a government scandal inspired Colin’s research on groupthink
[00:02:26] Why some conformity pressure is necessary for groups
[00:04:26] The “fundamental attribution error” and our bias toward individual heroes
[00:06:30] Why most meetings are badly designed and destroy synergy
[00:10:15] Colin’s experience as a musician—and what bands teach us about synergy
[00:15:23] How hierarchy silences voices and breeds groupthink
[00:20:17] The real meaning of psychological safety (hint: it’s not kumbaya)
[00:24:52] How to bring out contributions from introverts
[00:32:41] The warning signs of dysfunctional conformity
[00:35:43] Task conflict vs. relationship conflict—and why one helps and the other destroys
[00:44:38] Rethinking leadership as a team sport, not an individual role
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Episode resources:
ColinMFisher.com
The Collective Edge
Check in with AJ and Johnny!
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Johnny on LinkedIn
AJ on Instagram
Johnny on Instagram
The Art of Charm on Instagram
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View all episodes
By The Art of Charm
4.7
1046510,465 ratings
Why do brilliant individuals so often create dysfunctional groups? AJ and Johnny sit down with organizational behavior professor Colin Fisher, author of The Collective Edge, to unpack the science of collaboration and why most teams achieve less than the sum of their parts. From the rise of individualism to the misunderstood role of psychological safety, Colin explains why we get group projects wrong—and what it really takes to create synergy.
They explore why conformity isn’t always bad, how to design groups that avoid wasted meetings, why hierarchy quietly kills dissent, and how healthy conflict (not harmony) fuels breakthroughs. Whether you’re running a team, stuck in endless meetings, or dreading your next group project, this episode gives you the science-backed playbook for making groups work.
What to Listen For
[00:00:20] Why groups fail despite individual brilliance
[00:01:07] How a government scandal inspired Colin’s research on groupthink
[00:02:26] Why some conformity pressure is necessary for groups
[00:04:26] The “fundamental attribution error” and our bias toward individual heroes
[00:06:30] Why most meetings are badly designed and destroy synergy
[00:10:15] Colin’s experience as a musician—and what bands teach us about synergy
[00:15:23] How hierarchy silences voices and breeds groupthink
[00:20:17] The real meaning of psychological safety (hint: it’s not kumbaya)
[00:24:52] How to bring out contributions from introverts
[00:32:41] The warning signs of dysfunctional conformity
[00:35:43] Task conflict vs. relationship conflict—and why one helps and the other destroys
[00:44:38] Rethinking leadership as a team sport, not an individual role
A Word From Our Sponsors
Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at unlockyourxfactor.com
The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially. Visit the artofcharm.com/intel for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back.
Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns.
Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at makeheadway.com/CHARM and use my code CHARM for 25% off.
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm.
Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm.
This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at mintmobile.com/charm
Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM TODAY to get started
Curious about your influence level?
Get your Influence Index Score today!
Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence.
Episode resources:
ColinMFisher.com
The Collective Edge
Check in with AJ and Johnny!
AJ on LinkedIn
Johnny on LinkedIn
AJ on Instagram
Johnny on Instagram
The Art of Charm on Instagram
The Art of Charm on YouTube
The Art of Charm on TikTok
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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