Consensus Decision-Making = Mediocrity
Where do new ideas come from? Differences.
Consensus is about compromise, and if everyone is compromising, are you delivering the best product, service, or experience?
If you have been part of a team or committee to solve a problem, you probably have witnessed groupthink. There is a good chance that when you were in those endless meetings, you wished you were anywhere but there. Then, one day, you reach the point of exhaustion from the constant squeaky wheel where you relent and just agree to reach a consensus to end the exhaustive debate. Unfortunately, that is just one of the consequences of groups like these.
Organizations that rely on group, or committee, decision-making may find that groupthink has negative consequences such as:
- suboptimal decision-making
- reduced creativity and innovation
- increased conflict
- feelings of isolation
- mediocre results
In addition, they may have difficulty attracting and retaining talent, as individuals may not want to be a part of a group that does not value dissenting opinions.
Dangers of Groupthink
1. Groupthink can lead to bad decision-making.
People in a group may feel pressure to conform to the majority opinion, even if that opinion is not necessarily the best one. This phenomenon, known as groupthink, can lead to suboptimal decision-making as people may be reluctant to voice dissenting opinions. In addition, groupthink can cause people to ignore their judgment and intuition, leading to bad decisions.
2. Groupthink can lead to a lack of creativity.
Another downside of groupthink is that it can stifle creativity. When people are in a group, they may feel pressure to conform to the norms and expectations of the group, which can prevent them from thinking outside the box and being creative. Additionally, groupthink can lead to a lack of diversity, as people may be less likely to express minority opinions.
3. Groupthink can lead to conflict.
Groupthink can lead to conflict within a group as people may feel like they have to choose between conforming to the majority opinion or standing up for their own beliefs.
4. Groupthink can lead to a feeling of isolation.
People who dissent from the majority opinion in a group may start to feel isolated and excluded from the group. This feeling of isolation can lead to further disengagement from the group and resentment towards the other members.
5. Mediocre Outcomes
Groups not used to making decisions will often compromise at the lowest common denominator level, resulting in mediocre outcomes. Most decisions are laden with ambiguity and uncertainty. A less experienced group will often debate these issues for an extended period without resolving them.
This less experienced group leaves the critical decisions untackled and never made because there will always be dissenting voices preventing these decisions from taking place.
On the other hand, a group with more experience usually knows how close they can get without actually resolving any uncertainties and ambiguity surrounding their choices.
Groupthink can blind our views and limit our perspective.
Ways to Avoid Groupthink
1. Define the problem.
The first step in avoiding groupthink is clearly defining the problem you are trying to solve. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and focused on finding a solution.
2. Encourage dissenting opinions.
Once the problem has been defined, it is essential to encourage dissenting opinions. This means that everyone should feel free to share their ideas, even if they differ from the majority.
3. Be willing to change your opinion.
If new information arises or someone presents a valid argument, be willing to change your opinion. This shows that you are open-minded and willing to consider new ideas.
4. Seek outside input.
If you are having trouble finding a solution, seek input from people outside the group. This can help to provide a fresh perspective and new ideas.
5. Make a decision and stick to it
Once all the information has been considered, it’s time to decide and stick to it. This can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that groupthink often leads to bad decisions.
One of Amazon’s leadership principles is: Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit.
Leaders are obligated to respectfully challenge decisions when they disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable or exhausting. Leaders have conviction and are tenacious. They do not compromise for the sake of social cohesion. Once a decision is determined, they commit wholly.
Take Away
Groupthink can severely compromise a team’s productivity and leave all but the most vocal team members disillusioned and dissatisfied. If you are on a team that makes a decision you disagree with, but you can’t say or do anything about it, your motivation will quickly wane.
Teams can be more effective than individuals, but groupthink can have the opposite impact. Establishing a healthy group-working environment can encourage the team to make good decisions and manage any risks appropriately.
