5. How to Steer Clear of Groupthink

WHEN ORGANIZATIONS NEED to solve a problem, they often create a task force, selection panel, or steering/advisory committee. These groups are tasked with developing consensus around new ideas, such as procedures, policies, products, or services. Unfortunately, research shows that consensus-based problem-solving groups are often where innovative ideas go to die. These groups are highly prone to groupthink—quick agreement around status quo solutions with little discussion or deliberation. Yet, not all consensus-based problem-solving groups engage in groupthink. We wanted to learn from the exceptions—when and how do they keep new ideas alive? We conducted a study in which we examined verbatim transcripts from four virtual task forces established in 2004 by the American Health Information Community (AHIC). Their goal was to figure out and recommend a process to the U.S. secretary of health…