What is Groupthink in Workplace?
If you think about it, groupthink may sound positive– a bunch of people working together, right? Well, not quite. In reality, it’s a psychological trap that holds back creativity and messes up teamwork. Despite a collaborative team, you hardly receive any ideas worth practicing.
So, what is groupthink in workplace? How is it counterproductive to new ideas? In today’s blog, we’re going to explore it all and suggest smart ways to avoid the pitfalls of groupthink!
What is Groupthink in Workplace?
Groupthink in the workplace refers to a group prioritizing agreement and avoiding conflict instead of voicing their true opinions. Unlike conformity bias, where everyone follows the crowd, groupthink pressures everyone to stay on the same page. This ignores innovative ideas and noteworthy risks and, in turn, leads to poor decisions and outcomes.
A classic example of groupthink in the workplace is the Challenge Space Shuttle Disaster. Despite knowing about the faulty parts of the spacecraft before the launch, engineers stayed silent to maintain the harmony. Now, imagine they had spoken up – the explosion could have been avoided!
Symptoms of Groupthink in Workplace
Now that you know “what is groupthink,” the next big question is – how do you identify groupthink in your business?
Recognizing the phenomenon is the first step to addressing it. Once you know exactly what to look for, it’s easier to take action and encourage innovation. Some signs to look out for include:
- Self-censorship among employees
- Overly optimistic team members
- Pressure to conform
- Lack of debate
- Team members hold back their ideas
- Assuming silence indicates agreement
- Ignorance of moral problems and negative consequences
- Stereotyping outsiders
5 Effective Tips to Avoid Groupthink in Workplace
Goes without saying groupthink in workplace can have serious consequences in the workplace. The good thing, however, is that with the right strategies, you can replace them with healthy decision-making practices to double your productivity!
Now that you know what is groupthink, here’s how to steer clear of groupthink within your company:
Encourage Open Dialogue/ Communication
It’s important to encourage your team to speak up and voice their concerns and opinions openly, even if they go against the majority.
A good leader promotes an inclusive environment without overshadowing the quiet ones in the team. Make it clear that you welcome different viewpoints and constructive criticism. If, at any point, you notice groupthink creeping in, it’s best to ask questions that challenge the consensus.
Assign a Devil’s Advocate
Another pro tip when countering groupthink is to assign someone the role of devil’s advocate. In case you’re not sure, such an individual challenges assumptions, questions where the group is heading, and presents alternative viewpoints. This ensures that all angles are considered and every voice within the company is equally heard.
Conduct Regular Performance Reviews
When combating groupthink, it’s essential to meet with your employees regularly to review their performance. Make sure these reviews are objective and unbiased, solely focusing on a team member’s performance.
Plus, take the time to get input from employees who might be too shy to raise their voices during meetings. Sometimes, a one-on-one conversation brings valuable opinions that would otherwise be missed.
Allow Ample Time for Decision-making
If your team feels pressured to make decisions, they may opt for the majority view just to save time. To avoid this, it’s crucial to give your team ample time to make decisions, consider alternatives, and analyze the potential consequences of their decisions. Allowing sufficient time mitigates the risk of groupthink and ensures all your decisions are well thought out.
Promote Inclusive Leadership
Lastly and most importantly, promoting inclusive leadership within your organization helps fend off groupthink effectively. If you’re dominating or authoritative, your team members might fear sharing their ideas. On the contrary, welcoming everyone to discussions makes employees feel safer expressing their ideas without the fear of being judged.
Final Thoughts
It’s crucial to know what is groupthink. Because when left unchecked, groupthink might cause serious mess-ups within a company. The best workplaces are those that make everyone feel valued. This environment leads to better decisions and some highly innovative solutions to problems. Hence, it’s best to make groupthink a part of group productivity training so no business goes through the hassle!