"Where all think alike, no one thinks very much" - Walter Lippmann

One of the biggest dangers in idea generation and innovation management is "group think," a term coined by social psychologist Irving Janis (1972), which occurs when a group makes faulty decisions because group pressures lead to a deterioration of “mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment.”   Groups affected by group think ignore alternatives and tend to take irrational actions that dehumanize other groups.  A group is especially vulnerable to group think when its members are similar in background, when the group is insulated from outside opinions, and when there are no clear rules for decision making.

Some of the warning signs for group think include:

• Conformity or other pressure on the minority voices in a group
• Self-censorship
• "Protecting" the group from negative or contradictory information and facts
• Shared mindset
• Stereotyping
• The illusion of consensus
• The illusion of moral certainty
• The illusion of infallibility

So how can you avoid Group Think?"

• Encourage and maintain diversity of thought, experiences and backgrounds
• Keep vigilant for the warning signs listed above
• Set guidelines for group leadership and discussions
• Ensure there is an outlet for healthy conflict
• Engage an experienced facilitator during idea generation sessions
• Provide an "emergency escape valve" or anonymous communication system
• Restructure the make-up of group if necessary

Without the freedom to think independently and voice opinions and ideas, the entire idea and innovation process breaks down.  This foundational "right" of creativity needs to be protected.  Group Think costs your organization money, time and other valuable resources.  The result of group think is rarely positive...so be mindful of this not-so-silent "idea killer!"