From the course: 7 Keys for Developing Effective Creative and Critical Thinking
Unlock this course with a free trial
Join today to access over 24,600 courses taught by industry experts.
How to avoid “groupthink” when problem-solving
From the course: 7 Keys for Developing Effective Creative and Critical Thinking
How to avoid “groupthink” when problem-solving
- Have you ever worked together with a group to address a problem, and found that the group was speedy to define the problem and then start solving it? It sounds good and sounds efficient, right? And it's what happens when a group of people prioritize consensus and harmony over critical thinking and independent decision making. So in a groupthink scenario, members of the group may suppress dissenting viewpoints or avoid raising objections in order to maintain unity and avoid conflict. And this can lead to flawed decision making, as alternative perspectives and potential risks are not even considered. Now, you can avoid groupthink by encouraging as open communication as possible. So you want to foster an environment where diverse viewpoints and opinions are valued and encouraged. Actively seek input from individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. Don't be so fast to define the issue and then start…