How to Steer Clear of Groupthink

When organisations need to solve a problem, they may create a task force or advisory committee to develop a consensus around new ideas, such as procedures, policies, products or services.

However, research shows that consensus-based problem-solving groups often kill innovative ideas. These groups are prone to groupthink - quick agreement around status quo solutions with little deliberation.

Yet, there are exceptions. Not all consensus-based problem-solving groups engage in groupthink.

People tend to think that current solutions must be good. As a result, groups tend to move towards the status quo because they are less likely to fail. "It worked before."

Groups can overcome groupthink by one member expressing dissatisfaction with the status quo. The words that describe dissatisfaction are called triggers because they can kick start the group embracing new and different approaches. Triggers give members the opportunity to reveal how each member view to problem.