Groupthink, What is it & How to avoid it

Groupthink involves the members of a particular group deciding to make a group decision and avoiding any sense of conflict. This most often means that individual concerns and opinions are not shared within the group. Either those within the group do not want to make waves so they don't raise any opposing views or the members of the group do not give time and opportunity for concerns to be discussed. Groups work this way when they are under a strict timeline that has created a sense of urgency with the decision making process.

Avoiding groupthink is done by creating an environment that gives all group members an opportunity to voice concerns and opinions about the discussions within the group. Many times managers do not allow this type of interaction because of the potential for conflict and delays in the decision making process. Allowing interaction amongst group members will not only reduce the opportunity for issues of groupthink to arise but will also give members of the group an opportunity to have more ownership of the decisions the group makes. This will reduce the opportunity for members to feel like their opinion is not relevant or appreciated within the organization.