Can Groupthink be More Dangerous than Disagreement?

When there is no room for disagreement, there is no room for growth. Disagreement brings to light new ideas, perspectives, and conversations. It shows that the person who disagrees is thinking independently and not just saying what they think the other person wants to hear. Disagreement can be very beneficial in both business and in life; however, you want to ensure that when you disagree with someone that you are being respectful about it. You should not be unkind to the other person if you do not agree with their stance on something. You should, however, offer your point of view while listening to theirs with an open mind.

The problem is that so many people have developed an attitude that says, “If you don’t have the same beliefs as me, I will not associate with you.” This is a dangerous mindset to operate with. It shuts the other person down before you have even had a chance to hear why they believe what they believe. If you are willing to have a conversation with them about it, you might learn something new or see the topic in a different manner. By talking through the disagreement with the other person, you also prevent groupthink.

Groupthink is the phenomenon where individuals will conform to the majority opinion to maintain group harmony. Many people do not speak up when they disagree because they fear the consequences, they do not want to be singled out, they are not confident in themselves, or they worry about how the group will perceive them. They back down to the loudest voice in the room.

There have been many instances in history where groupthink led to detrimental outcomes. When people do not speak up about their disagreements, there can be physical, mental, financial, and practical consequences. Businesses have failed and lives have been put in danger because of groupthink. Many people believe they are doing the group a service by staying quiet when they disagree with something, but groupthink is actually more dangerous than disagreement.

I challenge you to speak out in a respectful manner the next time that you disagree with the group. Start the dialogue and compare perspectives. You might be surprised by how much more developed your ideas will become.

-Meghan Slaughter