I guess I am a negatron but that is by design. I have a fairly structured decision making process borne of years in the military where decision making at the lowest levels is encouraged to be free thinking (within the regulations of course). Many people think groupthink is alive and well in the US Military and to some extent, it is especially at the general officer ranks. Nevertheless, groupthink in the military, the government and business leads to undesirable outcomes across the board.
Individuals like Gen McChrystal or Carly Fiorina at HP do not adhere to groupthink. Unfortunately, these individuals are drummed out of an organization. Groupthink fails because equal credence is given to all ideas regardless of form and validity, not a bad concept with a strong capable leader able to ferret out the BS. However, without good leadership the common denominator of these decisions is mediocrity not excellence. When management cannot make a decision and allows the groupthink mentality to flourish failure will ultimately occur. I agree that groupthink in and of itself can be useful and lead to better acceptance of good practice and procedures, but it is better defined and characterized as consensus building whereby all ideas are aired and discussed. But decisions based upon how well they will sell with the company masses only perpetuates low standards and drives folks with higher goals and standards to other venues for work leaving the organization with those that accept mediocrity as the standard.
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Very well said. An organization needs a strong leader who is able to make the final decision and chart the course for the organization. The right team will generate the discussion, ideas and critical factors in the decision. It is up to the leader to direct the group to the most critical factors involved in that particular decision. With the critical factors discussed and understood, the best decision will be made. Not all decisions are popular, but decision making shouldn't be a popularity contest. The leader should attempt to get the most buy-in to the decision and at least have the full team understand why a decision is made. An organization will always value a decisive leader that listens well.
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