Groupthink is a common problem in group settings where members seek approval from each other instead of finding the best solution. To avoid this, groups should promote healthy conflict, limit group size, set boundaries, propose multiple solutions, and encourage diversity.
Most of the time, when a group of people get together, they have a purpose for coming together. Groupthink is an unfortunate occurrence that is often seen within group settings. When this happens, group members tend to seek approval from other members instead of identifying the most effective solution to the problem they are trying to solve. As a result of groupthink, many negative outcomes become present, which often include cognitive biases, an inability to identify positive alternatives, and an inability to fully elaborate contingency plans. There are a number of tips that can be followed to help eliminate groupthink and promote healthy group progress.
It is natural for humans to start feeling alike once they are around each other, especially as they seek each other’s approval. All groups should remember that group conflict is natural too, but conflict can be kept at healthy levels. Indeed, creative conflict often helps a group fuel its productivity and find efficient solutions to the problems at hand. To promote healthy conflict and avoid groupthink, group members should always respect each other and avoid personal criticism. All group leaders should lead by example and also make sure that every member of the group understands what healthy conflict means.
Those people selecting and creating groups should remember to limit the number of people in a single group to no more than 10. Having more than 10 people in a group tends to encourage unhealthy conflict. Each team should have a list of boundaries to stick to, as porous team boundaries only lead to a dysfunctional team. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean a team can’t think “outside the box”; it simply means that external viewpoints are protected so that consents are not made for the wrong reasons. A great way to stay within bounds is to use structured discussion, as this helps to stay on topic.
Groups can also avoid groupthink by remembering to find more than one solution to the problem they are solving. Proposing more than one solution is also beneficial because, many times, management will not accept the first solution a group comes up with. To further help avoid groupthink, the second solution should be very different from the first.
Diversity issues often cause groups to engage in groupthink. Each member becomes so preoccupied with being different from each other that his focus is on finding approval from the other members instead of finding the best solution to the problem at hand. When this happens, a group leader should encourage healthy cultural differences. This can be accomplished by asking members to continuously express their opinions in an assertive but respectful manner.
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