Groupthink: How the Desire for Harmony Leads to Poor Decisions

Groupthink, a psychological phenomenon, stifles creativity and critical thinking within groups. It occurs when members prioritize consensus over divergent opinions. In pursuit of harmony, they avoid conflict, leading to poor decision-making.

Groupthink's symptoms include overconfidence, closed-mindedness, and an illusion of invulnerability. People conform to group norms, suppressing their individuality. This collective myopia can have disastrous consequences, from failed corporate strategies to political blunders.

Avoiding groupthink demands open communication, encouraging dissent, and valuing diverse perspectives. Embracing different viewpoints enriches decision-making processes, fostering innovation and robust choices. Groupthink's antidote lies in the courage to challenge conformity, ensuring better, more balanced outcomes.