What is the purpose of collective (and inclusive) intelligence?

If you bring together people with identical profiles in the same room (men of the same generation who work in the same profession, for example), there’s a good chance their perspectives will be too similar. Worse still, they may arrive too quickly at solutions that are uninnovative or even stereotypical. So, to avoid the conformity of opinion that hinders innovation, the group must be as diverse as possible. And above all, it must be gender-diverse!

According to the Observatory on Gender Diversity in Business, the best-performing companies in the CAC 40 consistently turn out to be those with the highest gender parity. And for good reason: it’s scientifically proven that the smartest groups aren’t those with the highest average IQs, but those with the highest proportion of women, according to a 2010 MIT study. What factors have been identified to explain these results? A more equitable distribution of speaking time and a higher quality of active listening, which make discussions flow more smoothly. These are two key indicators for optimizing communication, which are better managed when groups have a higher proportion of women.

Diversity in collective intelligence is therefore a powerful driver of corporate performance. But it is also a powerful driver of innovation. And this last point is by no means trivial: cognitive diversity, stemming from each person’s experiences and backgrounds, fosters a variety of approaches to the same situation. These contrasting perspectives will therefore encourage debate and reflection, helping to eliminate blind spots and individual biases while complementing everyone’s perspectives.

Furthermore, the more diverse the profiles within a Group are, the more creative the ideas generated will be. However, in order for everyone to have a voice and for the magic to happen, collective intelligence must also be inclusive.

Indeed, while a diversity of approaches is an essential ingredient, it is not sufficient on its own. According to the 2024 Barometer from the High Council for Gender Equality, 43% of women have already censored their comments out of fear of men’s reactions. There is therefore a real challenge in creating a psychologically safe environment where every woman feels free to express her diverse opinions without fear of judgment. This goes hand in hand with active and empathetic listening, as well as the recognition and appreciation of every contribution, so that all voices can fully participate in the discussion.

Finally, to ensure these rules are followed and that diversity is promoted in an inclusive manner, the involvement of a third-party facilitator may also be a promising approach. What is their role within the Group? To help create an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to speak, and where the risks of exclusion or intimidation are minimized, while ensuring that all participants feel free to share their perspectives—even when their perspective is in the minority.

So, let’s all stay vigilant! From interactions among employees to the company’s overall culture, everyone has a role to play in amplifying the power of collective and inclusive intelligence.