“Can’t we all just get along?”

Collaboration is not the same as Groupthink

Well, sure, but what many leaders don’t understand is that dissenting opinions and debate should be welcome at any workplace. 

If you’re building your team only with people who all think alike, you may be on the road to Groupthink – which could quash inspiration, innovation, creativity, and growth. 

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 stems from our strong human desire to belong and conform. When the desire for group consensus overrides the willingness to present alternative ideas or critique others’ – you’re treading in dangerous waters. 

Some signs that your team may be mired in Groupthink:

• Hesitating to share new ideas🙅

• Feeling anxious about sharing candid feedback😬

• Looking to the group leader for signals regarding how to think and behave👤

When your team is more concerned about “fitting in” than sharing innovative, “outside-the-box” ideas, creativity can become strangled by the group’s drive toward social conformity. 

Moving away from Groupthink

So, what’s the first step to combat Groupthink in the workplace?

Replacing just one person on your team with a different neurosignature than the others isn’t going to cut it. But, balancing your entire team to include people with multiple different neurosignatures and allowing them to speak up and bring their ideas to the table? Now we’re talking! 

The entire culture of the group may begin to shift toward being open to fresh ideas.💡

Want more brain-friendly tips?

Check out my Wall Street Journal bestselling book, The Brain-Friendly Workplace: Why Talented People Quit and How to Get Them to Stay. And if you felt inspired, please leave an Amazon review. I read every single one and would love to see yours there!

I also offer virtual keynotes to provide companies with science-based insights that you can put into practice immediately in order to work and live smarter, better, and happier. Find out more about my keynotes here. 

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