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Is Your Team Vulnerable To “Groupthink?”

Blog Post

By Susan Gerke

Is Your Team Vulnerable To “Groupthink?”

Creating Moments that Matter

Blog Post

By Susan Gerke
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Is Your Team Vulnerable To “Groupthink?”

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Groupthink – It’s the collaboration killer that no one talks about! Hey, we get it. The feeling of cohesion, of unanimity, just feels so nice and validating. The problem is that the desire for team cohesion can result in a compromise called groupthink. It’s the powerful illusion that “we are all on the same page,” and it prevents good teams from looking at alternatives.

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Characteristics of Groupthink

Your team may suffer from groupthink, and you don’t even know it! How many of these characteristics do you see in your team?

  • Belief of invulnerability: “Hey, we’re good. We always nail it.”
  • Illusion of unanimity: “It looks like we’re all in agreement so let’s move on.”
  • Dismissal of feedback: “Our partner has critiques for us… but what do they know?”
  • Self-censorship: “I’m concerned about our direction, but I don’t want to slow down our progress so I won’t say anything.”

The Hidden Danger

As teams gain more expertise and confidence, a new vulnerability can creep in. Groupthink can cause even strong teams to fall into unproductive ways of thinking, which is why knowing how to prevent groupthink is key.

To combat groupthink, take team training out of the lecture hall and place it at the front lines of the work. Encourage open dialogue, welcome diverse perspectives, and create an environment where questioning and critical thinking are valued.

By being aware of groupthink and actively working to prevent it, you can ensure your team remains innovative, effective, and resilient. How does your team currently handle differing opinions and feedback?

Author
Headshot of Susan Gerke
Susan Gerke

Susan Gerke is the president of Gerke Consulting & Development, where she designs, customizes, and implements leadership and teamwork programs. Her clients include Bank of the West, BHK Accountancy, City of Anaheim, Human Options, Orange Coast College, Sole Technology, UC Irvine, and Warner Bros.

Connect with Susan on LinkedIn.

Headshot of David Hutchens
David Hutchens

David Hutchens is a bestselling author and consultant who specializes in organizational storytelling, leading, creating, and innovating, organizational learning, systems, and more. He has created award-winning communications and learning solutions for companies such as IBM, The Coca-Cola Company, Wal-Mart, GE, and Nike, just to name a few.

Connect with David on LinkedIn.

Recommended Training from HRDQ-U
Building Team Trust

What does team trust look like? Join Susan Gerke and David Hutchens in an interactive webinar to discover the key to successful teams.

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