Reviews and Views

Groupthink

Have you found yourself in a situation of “groupthink” lately? I believe that at one time or another, whether we realized it or not, we were. What is groupthink? The Oxford Dictionary states “it is the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility.”

More than ever, all of us need to practice the ability to think for ourselves. Making independent and individual decisions can seem like a scary place to be because right or wrong you alone are responsible for the consequences. Going along with the group can seem like a safe place where no one has responsibility and blame can be spread evenly around. It can also present problems that none wish to pursue.

Groupthink can occur when a person has a strong tendency to fall for group decision-making on any issue. People become convinced that the group’s action is best without giving any time to consider other alternatives. There are some folks who may not be able to make decisions on their own. They wait to see where the majority of friends and family thinking is going and just goes along to get along. Otherwise they start to feel isolated or stressed out. Because of their uncertainty, they turn to a hive mentality in decision-making and just go with the group.

The graphic below illustrates what can happen. Always ask the critical questions up front. Ask why and ask for justifications. Present alternative points of view. Watch what happens next. You will surprise many.

December 9, 2021 - Posted by Bill Wyler | Culture | 2021, Consequences, QUESTIONS, Responsibility