Speaking up when it’s unpopular:7 ways to prevent GroupThink in business

FairForAll.org

Picture: Dana Ellyn

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC_JfCWYnTQ

GroupThink is preventable in organisations

HOW?

• 1. Empower group members to critically evaluate the matter at hand

– Say so explicitly

– Don’t undermine this by your actions

• 2. Higher-ups should not express an opinion when assigning a task to a group

• 3. Have several groups work on the same problem independently

• 4. Examine *all* effective alternatives

(don’t stop after an arbitrary number)

• 5. Discuss the group’s ideas with trusted people outside the group (individually)

• 6. Invite outside experts and allow group members to discuss with and ask questions of the experts

• 7. Designate a “Devil’s Advocate”. Make this a different person each time.

Happy decision making!

Michael Walkerfairforall.orgSource: Janis, Irving ‘Victims of GroupThink’ 1972