Four ways leaders can boost collective intelligence in their teams (and why it matters)

I'm assuming you don't work in a dictatorship. What you do as a team, organisation, (even your family !), is determined by your collective intelligence, the capability of the group. Do you shut each other down or raise each other up?

Here are four key ways to build collective intelligence

  1. Become aware of the points where we get triggered by each other into silence, defensiveness or passivity.
    In every interaction we have we choose the type of communicator we want to be; each has its costs and benefits. Getting more control over the decisions we make enables us to respond to the situation rather than reacting out of habit or choosing the path of least resistance. In my whole cultural communication programs, we teach people how to become aware of the decision points so we actively stay in compassion to the person and in courage with the conversations that matter.

  2. Stay curious
    When we build the habit of curiosity and wonder, we challenge assumptions and create safety for each other to bring new ideas, challenge the status quo and seek cognitive diversity.

  3. Lead with trust
    There are things we can all do, every day, in every interaction we have to create trust by being trustworthy ourselves, by risking trust first, and by having conversations safely. Internal trust-building can and should be top of mind for all teams.

  4. Keep it fun

    The burn/burnout for people is real right now. If we don’t create connection between us, work will not be fun. The pull to task (as opposed to relationships) is so strong and work can become ‘blah’ instead of ‘bling’. Focus on energising each other rather than depleting each other – remember, emotions are contagious.

Our traditional societal and corporate hierarchies are challenged in the current complex climate. Learning how to create collective intelligence is how we will reach remarkable performance. It requires commitment, skills, and vigilance.

It is time to learn more about harnessing the power of a group.


Speak to us about how we can help your team. 

Amy and her incredible facilitators show people the why of collective intelligence and the how of teaming better. We teach participants the skill of compassionate and courageous communication ensuring it drives the longer-term goals we want for ourselves and each other.

support@dramysilver.com


I was a guest on Shane Hatton's podcast:  Phone Calls with Clever People and we talked about safety mindsets and how to create a culture of psychological safety.

Click here to listen to the full episode.


BOOKING FOR KEYNOTE SPEAKING FOR 2022/2023 (virtual/physical) Email Ellen via support@dramysilver.com to check dates for your event if you want your audience to understand how to stop fear interfering so we head into our most powerful future together.