Groupthink can sneak into a team without anyone noticing. Maybe everyone nods along in a sales meeting because they don’t want to slow things down. Or perhaps your team adopts a new strategy, not because it’s perfect, but because no one wants to raise any concerns. It feels like alignment, but sometimes it’s people just going with the flow. That’s when teams may miss out on better ideas or start making avoidable mistakes.
Groupthink often happens because people value harmony and consensus, according to writer Angela Kayodi-Sanne. To avoid it, she says leaders must intentionally create structures and habits that encourage honest dialogue. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we outline her ideas for preventing groupthink on your team.
Foster an open and inclusive environment. Everyone on your team should feel safe sharing their ideas without fear of judgment. Sanne says leaders should model openness by welcoming different perspectives and showing appreciation for contributions, even when they challenge the norm.
Encourage critical thinking and healthy debate. Strong teams feel comfortable engaging in healthy conflict. Try asking “what if” and “why not” questions to get conversations going. Sanne recommends rewarding those who challenge assumptions constructively.
Assign a devil’s advocate to challenge ideas. If everyone’s usually on the same page, try appointing someone to deliberately poke holes in ideas. This can help you uncover any blind spots sooner. Keep in mind that the role shouldn’t be perceived as negative. Instead, Sanne advises presenting it as a structured way to explore risks and alternatives.
Create anonymous feedback mechanisms. Many teams have individuals who may hesitate to speak up in group settings. You can help those quieter voices be heard through things like anonymous surveys or polls. Sanne says the idea is to keep dominant personalities from overshadowing the others.
Use tools and technology to enhance collaboration. Maybe your team likes using digital whiteboards or perhaps you want to try a new brainstorming app. Sanne recommends trying out different tools to capture more perspectives and ensure equal participation.
Don’t let groupthink overtake your team. Encourage your staff members to have real conversations and engage in healthy debate. Give them opportunities to voice their thoughts in different ways and assign someone to intentionally challenge ideas. You’ll get more viewpoints and a workplace where people want to share their opinions instead of simply going along with their co-workers.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Angela Kayodi-Sanne is a writer and community manager who contributes blogs for Formplus, a cloud-based form-building software.
