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The collective intelligence we looked at in part 3 is also found in other ants. Experiments with one group, ‘lepticthorax’, effectively demonstrate how one individual’s behavior can influence those around it. By including each individual in the decision making process they enable or cause the simple actions by one to generate more sophisticated actions by the group. This building of collective intelligence is in some ways similar to attempting to create synergy in teams. A state of synergy in a team is reached when the team outcome is better then the best result that could have been achieved by any one individual in the group. Perhaps the best example of this behavior is the way these tiny ants set up a new home. One ant on finding the ideal location will head back to the group and physically collect and carry back a colleague, then both will inspect the location, both will go back and collect another colleague each… and the four will inspect… and then eight and so on exponentially (snowballing effect) until the new location is fully occupied and work begins.

Participants in many of the leadership and team building courses I conduct often complain that although they, after training, attempt to adopt a more enlightened approach to management and leadership, their bosses are still locked in their old, power and position driven, hierarchical practices. How to break this nasty vicious cycle… train the bosses first, after all leadership comes from the top… doesn’t it?

By the way if you want to see how humans get involved in such leader / follower behavior (not too sure about the collective intelligence aspect) take a look at this video: http://sivers.org/ff

Point: if you are never given an opportunity to lead and you believe you have earned the right and have the skills perhaps you need to use the free blank resume form and to start a process to lead yourself elsewhere!

Tip: USUALLY THE EXPERT IN ANY JOB IS THE ONE ACTUALLY DOING IT however IT DOESN’T MEAN THEY CAN LEAD OTHERS TO DO IT AS WELL!