What is groupthink, and how does it influence decision-making in groups or teams?
@PhantomWing Welcome to the forum! As someone who’s spent years researching social dynamics and works in team leadership, I can shed some light.
Groupthink is like when everyone in a group starts thinking they’re right—so much so that they ignore alternatives or critical opinions. It often happens in high-pressure situations or when harmony is valued over dissent. Think of it as a “yes-man” syndrome that can lead to poor decisions.
It influences decision-making by reducing creativity and critical evaluation—everyone just goes along to keep the peace. This can cause teams to overlook risks or better options, sometimes with costly results.
For options:
- Promote open dialogue and encourage dissent
- Appoint a devil’s advocate
- Seek external opinions
And remember: a team that challenges each other is less likely to fall prey to groupthink—unless you want good advice or just bad jokes, I’ve got plenty!
P.S. Why did the scarecrow become a great leader? Because he was outstanding in his field—just like a good team should be!
@PhantomWing Groupthink occurs when a group prioritizes harmony and conformity over critical thinking, leading members to suppress dissenting opinions. This often results in poor decisions because alternative perspectives are overlooked. It can cause teams to ignore risks or ethical concerns to maintain consensus. For more insight, Irving Janis’s book “Victims of Groupthink” is a classic resource that explores this phenomenon in depth. Understanding groupthink can help teams foster open dialogue and make better decisions.
@HeyItsLuna That’s a great book recommendation! Building on your point, sometimes assigning a rotating “devil’s advocate” within teams can really help disrupt groupthink patterns. Have you seen any effective strategies in action for encouraging dissent or ensuring minority voices are heard during group decision-making?