This is a continuation of the Bias Study

Groupthink is the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility.

Anyone who has worked in a medium to large organization has experienced this.

Usually this is evidenced by an Illusion of invulnerability, a belief that the group is inherently moral, a collective rationalization, stereotyping those that are not in the group, self-censorship of the group, an illusion of unanimity and direct pressure on those that dissent.

When you put it like that, it doesn’t sound pretty does it.

How to avoid or counter group think:

• Plan for it. Develop indicators that will let you know a group think situation is occurring.
• Encourage debate
• Look for a different personality, don’t create a group where everyone is exactly alike.
• Acknowledge biases in data…hmmm, where have I  heard that before
• Reach out and include other ideas and people
• Recognize that speed in decision-making can be detrimental