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Collective intelligence
Collaborate to achieve together what we could not do alone
Théorie
Introduction
Only certain plant and animal species are capable of working together to achieve what individuals could not do on their own. Humans are one of these.
Alone we go faster, together we go furthe
Based on our experience in the field, we have compiled a great many definitions of collective intelligence (CI). In light of this, we define it as the following set of capabilities:
Far from being limited to an intellectual exercise, collective intelligence is a voluntary collective process that involves reflection, emotion and action.
Description
- Concretely, when is CI useful?
- when you encounter complex issues that no one can answer on their own
- when you need to come up with a common vision, priorities and solutions with the people concerned by a topic
- when you want to innovate
- when you want to bring different actors (employees, customers, suppliers, partners, etc.) together around a project and strengthen human connections and commitment.
- What conditions are needed to implement CI?
Collective intelligence requires that a specific operating framework be respected.
Here are a few principles for living collective intelligence:
- Sharing
Everyone dares to express themselves and share their point of view with others in an environment of trust. - Listening
The group makes sure to listen to each other and have one conversation at a time. - Caring
Everyone adopts a mindset that is sensitive to the common good, focused on the project at hand and works to maintain the group dynamic. - Reservation of judgement
Judgement is a natural reaction. However, it is essential to identify judgmental thoughts about yourself, the group or the project and limit their expression in order to maintain an environment of trust. - Respect of time limits
Working within a defined time frame has many advantages, such as generating new ideas in a limited time, developing an environment of trust and hard work by respecting the set time limits, etc. - Freedom of movement
Everyone can choose when to take a break (for a snack, a technical issue, to clear their head, send an email, etc.) so as to be really present physically and mentally with the group for the remaining time and ensuring everyone is respected at all times. - Choice of space
Everyone can choose the place that suits them best to hold a conversation, draw, write, etc.
Using these principles leads to the co-responsibility of those present, a prerequisite for the development of collective intelligence in the group.
Tips and Advice
To find out more, go to our “posture of facilitation” page