How to Avoid Groupthink

Welcome to Mind Tools' video learning series.

Have you ever been in a meeting and kept quiet because you didn't want to seem unsupportive of the group's decision? Or led a team in which people appeared reluctant to express their true opinions?

If so, you've probably been a victim of groupthink.

In other words, you've given in to decisions you don't really agree with simply because you wanted to maintain team harmony.

In groupthink situations, people don't express unpopular opinions. They don't offer different ideas or challenge other people's positions.

Unfortunately, this can often result in bad decision making because alternatives are not fully explored and people fail to gather the information they need to make an objective choice.

So it's important that you look out for the key symptoms of groupthink and challenge them!

First, listen out for anyone who's actively trying to convince him or herself that a particular decision is the best one, even when there's evidence to the contrary.

Listen, too, for anyone who is pressuring their colleagues to adopt a certain point of view. And for anyone taking the "moral high ground" or giving in to group opinion.

Finally, if you hear someone labeling conflicting opinions "inferior," or censoring information, groupthink could be at work!

The good news is, you can reduce groupthink by creating a working environment in which it's less likely to occur.

For example, make it a priority to test assumptions, validate your decision-making procedures, gather information from outside sources, and evaluate the risks involved.

Encourage your team to explore different alternatives and to challenge ideas – even yours – without fear of reprisal.

If you want to learn more about groupthink, read the article that accompanies this video.