We see a post on social media, read an article in the paper, listen to opinions in a meeting, hear the results of a poll, and before you know it, we adjust our views and jump on the bandwagon with everyone else. It’s as if we say, “If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.” No questions asked. Groupthink: what makes you think others know better?
We are dramatically affected by the people around us. In fact, we tend to do things simply because others do them, rather than follow our own beliefs or think for ourselves. That’s fine if we’re kind, eat healthy, or read more because our friends and colleagues influence us to act that way. But this phenomenon can also compel us to do things against our own best interest — if we’re not careful.
Even though being part of a group provides comfort and security it doesn’t guarantee that your group will always think intelligently; in fact, their reasoning may be deeply flawed. That’s why you should think carefully before you end up destroying your credibility and your reputation. It’s important to consider whether the messenger is credible, the information is accurate, the rationale is logical, and the intentions are honorable. The alternative is to follow the group blindly — and assume that other members did their homework.
When your ears hear one thing, but your eyes see another…use your brain.
Kick the Tires Before You Buy into Groupthink
There are times when a group of like-minded people does irrational things because no one has the courage to step forward and scrutinize the facts, question the rationale, or examine the real motive behind the actions. Instead, everyone feeds off each other’s energy until things take on a life of their own.
In retrospect, however, what if the whole idea didn’t make sense? Was truth trampled? Did innocent people get hurt? Of course, you can say, you were one of many and only followed along. But does that argument hold water? The fact is, some people say and do things in a group that they’d never do themselves. You chose to be a member of the group, and are responsible for your actions. So do your due diligence before taking the plunge.
Before you get swept up by groupthink, ask yourself whether joining makes sense for you. Don’t let yourself get seduced by numbers, persuaded by emotion, or pressured to join. You are your own person. Don’t outsource your feelings or surrender your beliefs to please others. Although it’s reassuring to be part of a group, you’re ultimately responsible for the choices that you make.
Listen to Your Conscience
There are many examples of crowd mentality gone awry, such as the Salem witch trials, the Dutch tulip market bubble in the 1600s, and widespread belief at one time in a flat Earth. But there are many less glaring examples that present themselves each day. The key is to think for yourself rather than follow the herd off a cliff.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is treating groupthink as gospel and following it blindly. It’s hard to swim against the tide and stand up for your beliefs. It’s tough to say “no” when others are so sure they’re right. It’s rough to stand alone when the quantity of the people in the group overwhelms you. But in the end, the right answer isn’t always determined by the number of people who say or believe something, but rather by the one who has the courage and conviction to question conventional wisdom. Think before you act — others don’t always know better.
Do You Buy Into Groupthink?
Additional Reading:
The Benefits of Being Open-Minded
How to Have a Fresh Perspective
This Discussion Has No Room for Debate
Protect Yourself From Bad Information
Freedom of Speech Carries Responsibility
Honesty: The Plain and Simple Truth
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I, being human, am very susceptible to group think. I’ve been observing group think since I was a kid when I watch a group of people go into a FRENZY while watching two people fight. Instead of going along with the crowd, I watch how the crowd got caught up in the emotions of the event. Now not following the crowd has its consequences. You will be targeted. Seen as an outsider sometimes. Ostracized sometimes. Questioned for who you are … who you follow … generally making crowd followers very nervous and threatened by you sometimes. It’s hard not following the crowd but think about the crowd follower and how they feel around you; they do not like being held to a higher standard, a higher integrity. It must make them anxious and squirmy inside trying to be around someone who refuses to follow and will not compromise their morals, reputation and integrity. These things to true individuals are worth the slings and arrows (figuratively) from crowd followers.
Hi Michael
When you think for yourself you’re more apt to seek the truth and honor your beliefs and values. That sounds like a pretty worthy goal to me.
Follow your conscience. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Frank as always I love your posts. However, I am also reminded of a book about Thomas Aquinas. The author said that the modern mind worships only one thing: Originality. God forbid that anyone should admit that he has been “sitting at the feet of the Master.” He goes on to say he is a proud feet sitter of Aquinas.
I notice the same thing: People who refuse to be team players because they are obsessed with “being my own man” even to the point of behaving like an idiot. I wrote an article for Forbes extolling the virtues of the great follower. All too often what passes for “thinking for yourself” is just a self indulgent refusal to be coached!
Hi Augie
Point well taken.
I’m not advocating for or against groupthink. I’m advocating that folks make an informed decision before choosing to follow the pack.
I find that some people are inclined to jump on the bandwagon before thinking though the facts on their own. As I say, “Don’t let yourself get seduced by numbers, persuaded by emotion, or pressured to join.” Think for yourself.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Herd mentality does not affect me too much. I have always been individualistic and analyze new ideas and old concepts.
There is one line though that caught my attention,
“.. the courage to step forward and …” but wait a minute, it is not to scrutinize, question and examine, but to speak up in a way that we are not ‘stoned’ by the crowds. Some people are vicious online and in person, so rather than exercise my right to my free expression of mind I stay quiet and do not challenge the collective view.
Are there some strategies to tactfully try and set straight some worn out ideas, and still keep intact our own persona?
I hear you Eula. Some folks say things on social media that they’d never say in person. My suggestion is to be honest, objective and fair when making your point.
As I say,
“You don’t earn trust and respect by showing bias, twisting the truth, or omitting key information; the truth never lies.”
”You don’t win a debate by suppressing information, limiting discussion, or restricting debate; you win it with a better argument.”
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank