what things can a LEADER do to help prevent or "break through" groupthink?
assistance needed.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1265897590
Thanks to PsyDAG for the best answer.
Groupthink is a phenomenon where the desire for harmony or conformity in a group leads to an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome. As a leader, you play a vital role in preventing or breaking through groupthink. Here are some things you can do:
1. Encourage diverse perspectives: Actively seek out and promote diverse viewpoints within the group. Encourage team members to express their opinions and be open to criticism and alternative ideas.
2. Foster a culture of psychological safety: Create an environment where team members feel safe to share their thoughts without fear of judgement or retribution. Emphasize that differing opinions are valued and that mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.
3. Assign a devil's advocate: Appoint someone in the group to play the role of a critical thinker or devil's advocate. This person's responsibility is to challenge the prevailing viewpoints and raise alternative possibilities.
4. Encourage independent thinking: Encourage each team member to think independently before the group discussion. This helps prevent the initial bias towards consensus and allows individuals to evaluate the ideas without being influenced by others.
5. Practice anonymous feedback: Occasionally, collect anonymous feedback from team members to ensure honest opinions are shared. This can be done through surveys or suggestion boxes. Anonymous feedback reduces the fear of social backlash and encourages more open communication.
6. Promote constructive conflict: Encourage healthy debate and constructive conflict within the group. Encourage team members to challenge ideas respectfully and provide evidence-based arguments. This can lead to a more thorough exploration of diverse perspectives.
7. Avoid excessive pressure: Be mindful of the power dynamics within the group and avoid exerting excessive influence or pressure on team members to conform. Ensure that decisions are made with careful consideration, and not rushed due to external pressures or time constraints.
Remember, breaking through groupthink requires active effort and a commitment to fostering an open and inclusive environment that values diverse opinions. By implementing these strategies, you can help prevent groupthink and make better decisions as a team.