The keys to collective intelligence
"The collective intelligence factor is not strongly correlated with the average or maximum individual intelligence of group members but is correlated with the average social sensitivity of group members, the equality in distribution of conversational turn-taking, and the proportion of females in the group..."
Anita Woolley, MIT
Our group intelligence is closely linked to our emotional intelligence. So how can we strengthen it?
What is a Smart Team?
A smart team is a group of people who work together effectively and productively, using their skills and knowledge to achieve common goals.
In these teams, members collaborate closely, sharing ideas, information, and resources. They work together synergistically, valuing the diversity of opinions and skillsets. Thanks to clear, open, and respectful communication, everyone feels safe to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions. A key talent of these teams is their flexibility and ability to quickly adapt to changing situations—learning new skills, overcoming challenges, and questioning assumptions as needed. Of course, trust is a cornerstone of their success.
Leadership in such teams isn't reserved for one person on every topic. Anyone can take the lead at a given moment, depending on their specific skills and knowledge. The presence of women is a proven asset, as studies show they tend to score higher in emotional intelligence. The link between gender diversity and team performance may be largely explained by social sensitivity, in which women generally excel.
Emotional and social skills are also essential. Everyone needs to feel psychological safety to foster a positive, caring work environment. A good understanding and regulation of one’s emotions allows for constructive confrontation. And knowing how to manage conflict before it becomes toxic is a key success factor. Finally, regularly giving and receiving positive, impactful, and constructive feedback helps sustainably improve collective performance.
Obstacles to Collective Intelligence
That said, several obstacles can hinder a group’s intelligence:
Conformity bias, which pushes people to align with the majority viewpoint
Information hoarding or lack of data sharing
Confirmation bias, where individuals cherry-pick arguments that reinforce their own opinions
To counter these, teams need to embrace positive confrontation through open, constructive debates that allow smart group decisions to emerge.
Other obstacles include rigid hierarchies or overly dominant leadership, which can stifle free expression and discourage participation. A lack of diversity—cultural, gender, age, or expertise—also limits the range of perspectives that enrich collective thinking. Time and resource constraints can prevent teams from reflecting, discussing, and exploring various options, thereby stifling creativity and good decision-making.
So How Can We Overcome These Traps?
Promote the right to make mistakes: When opening a discussion, clearly state that getting it wrong is allowed. "Test and learn" is essential for growth.
Dare to engage in healthy conflict: Own your differing perspective—and, if possible, stick with it for a while.
Integrate diverse viewpoints from the entire team: Research shows that high IQ alone doesn’t create collective intelligence. It's emotional intelligence and psychological safety that drive success. Seek out the voices of introverts, unconventional thinkers, and both junior and senior team members. (Remember: it was an intern who came up with the slogan "Just do it"!)
Neuroscience confirms that team creativity can be learned and nourished through active research, immersive learning experiences like Leadership Expeditions, and by simply taking time to meet and exchange ideas.
How Can a Leader Harness Collective Intelligence?
A leader leverages collective intelligence by deeply listening to others, offering clear methods to reach goals, and providing a meaningful vision for the future. While organizations have long favored "doers," it's time to elevate the "doers who also listen" to meet today’s complex challenges.
True leaders inspire the group, give purpose, and unite energies. They lean on the strength and intelligence of the collective—this is the opposite of "divide and conquer."
Their role is to promote, nurture, and strengthen the team’s identity and sense of belonging—the "we." When people feel part of a cohesive group, they’re more open to engaging in even challenging debates.
Two Accessible Tools for Collective Intelligence:
Co-Development and the World Café
Want to solve complex problems among peers?
Co-Development (or Codev) allows participants to share challenges, clarify their thinking, and receive advice based on peers’ experiences. It strengthens interdepartmental bonds and breaks down silos.
If you’re working with a larger group (25+ participants), the World Café is ideal. This creative process recreates the cozy atmosphere of a café where participants discuss 2–3 central questions. Through small-group conversations and rotation, the collective gradually converges toward shared insights and solutions.
In conclusion, tools from the world of collective intelligence encourage collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and help address complex problems or align large groups on key issues.
And you, how are you tapping into the power of the collective?
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