The Social Brain by Tracey Camilleri, Samantha Rockey

The Social Brain: The Psychology of Successful Groups by Tracey Camilleri, Samantha Rockey, and Robin Dunbar explores the dynamics of effective teamwork through the lens of evolutionary psychology and business management. The authors examine how understanding the 'social brain' can enhance group performance and well-being. 

Key Themes:

• Optimal Group Size: The book discusses the ideal number of individuals in a team, emphasizing that the effectiveness of a group can be influenced by its size.

   

• Trust and Empathy: The authors highlight the importance of trust and empathy as foundational elements for successful collaboration, noting that trust reduces stress and fosters a sense of security, while empathy aids in understanding team members' needs.

  
  

   

• Balancing Unity and Diversity: The necessity of maintaining group cohesion while encouraging diverse perspectives is emphasized as crucial for innovation and adaptability.

   

About the Authors:

• Tracey Camilleri: An Associate Fellow at Oxford University's Saïd Business School and co-founder of Thompson Harrison, specializing in leadership development.

• Samantha Rockey: An Associate Fellow at Oxford Saïd Business School and former Global Head of Leadership Development at SABMiller, focusing on organizational behavior and leadership.

• Robin Dunbar: A Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford, renowned for his research on social networks and the 'Dunbar Number,' which suggests a cognitive limit to the number of stable social relationships one can maintain.

   

Book Details:

• Title: The Social Brain: The Psychology of Successful Groups

• Authors: Tracey Camilleri, Samantha Rockey, Robin Dunbar

• Publisher: Penguin

• Publication Date: February 23, 2023

• Pages: 272

• ISBN: 978-1847943620

This book is recommended for leaders, managers, and individuals interested in understanding the psychological underpinnings of effective teamwork and how to foster high-performing groups.