Flocks and Schools of Robots? Meeting Attendees?

Despite some techy subject matter in recent posts that may contradict this: this is not a blog about robots. But they are helping us learn more about collaborative efforts, so here's just a bit more...

Great reading today in the Science pages of The New York Times, see here. Most of us have seen, and all of us have seen footage of, a flock of birds moving in an unfathomably coordinated pattern. Or schools of fish flashing their scales in a coordinated sequence more impressive than the best LED light shows there are going.

There has been a longstanding assumption that there is some mystical coordination instinct or phenomenon that enables this. However, new evidence suggests that it is actually the reactions to predators or other forces of individuals within the groups that subtly trigger a similar and coordinated response from the rest. The evidence comes from simulating these organisms with robots. If animals seem to move as one, but they more accurately move because of one, are any other assumptions challenged?

There are a few interesting metaphors here. In a meeting, one person can change the course of meeting very visibly. On the positive side, they may make an inspiring presentation, or surface an important but difficult question that everyone wanted surfaced. The negative equivalent might be someone dominating the conversation and shooting down other's ideas. But there are definitely instances of meetings shifting focus, direction, or even principle due to the hidden actions and influences of one individual.

This ability to so impact a group's behaviour and meeting's outcomes is a great power to wield. There is potential for great destruction, or great yet humble advancing of the purpose. While the damaging persona may be the person politicking, the silent leader may just be asking provocative questions and empowering people with confidence.

Have you witnessed either? What practical tactics might one apply to be the humble, behind the scenes leader of the flock, school, or meeting?