Are you familiar with the saying, “Two heads are better than one”? When faced with a challenging organizational problem, our instinct is often to bring it to a group, believing that a larger pool of knowledge will lead to better outcomes. But here’s the catch: more minds aren’t always better. In fact, many groups fall victim to a phenomenon called groupthink, where dissent is stifled, harmony is prioritized, and, as a result, decisions suffer. 

How can we harness the collective intelligence of a group without succumbing to the pitfalls of groupthink? Drawing on extensive research in behavioral and decision science, along with a few years of practical experience, we offer some simple strategies that could add value to your next group decision opportunity.

1. Embrace the Power of Going Small: When it comes to important decisions, smaller is often better. Research has shown that larger groups, typically those with seven or more members, are more susceptible to confirmation bias. The bigger the group, the greater the tendency to seek information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs. By keeping the group size between three and five individuals, you can minimize these negative effects while still benefiting from multiple perspectives. 
2. Seek Diversity in Perspectives: When people in a group are similar it can be the enemy of effective decision making. When assembling a group, opt for diversity, especially when tackling complex tasks that require diverse skills and viewpoints. Studies have revealed that teams composed of individuals with differing opinions and beliefs are better at countering biases. However, there are situations, such as repetitive tasks in structured environments, where like-minded groups excel. As a leader, understanding the nature of the decision at hand is key to determining which type of team will yield the best results. 
3. Appoint a Strategic Dissenter: To combat groupthink, empower a “devil’s advocate” within the team. This person is tasked with challenging the consensus and providing an alternative viewpoint. Research has shown that having at least one individual play this role can significantly enhance decision quality and outcomes. For larger groups, consider appointing two devil’s advocates to ensure they aren’t isolated or dismissed as troublemakers. 
4. Foster Independent Opinion Collection: The collective knowledge of a group is only valuable if it’s harnessed effectively. Before sharing thoughts within the wider group, encourage team members to record their ideas independently and anonymously. This approach allows for unbiased assessment and counters the influence of perceived seniority, expertise, or hidden agendas. 
5. Create a Safe Space for Dissent: Constructive dissent is essential for productive group dynamics. To encourage open sharing of opinions and doubts, establish a safe space where individuals feel comfortable speaking up without fear of retribution. Key elements of such an environment include focusing feedback on the decision rather than the individual, expressing comments as suggestions rather than mandates, and demonstrating empathy and appreciation for everyone’s contributions. 
6. Balance Expertise and Autonomy: While experts can provide valuable insights, be cautious of blindly trusting their opinions. Relying solely on expert advice can introduce biases and distort outcomes. Instead, invite experts to share their opinions on specific topics and position them as informed outsiders relative to the group. By maintaining a balanced approach, you can leverage their expertise without compromising the decision-making process. 
7. Foster Shared Responsibility: The way decisions are communicated, and the roles assigned within a group can heavily influence the outcome. Avoid having a single individual responsible for critical tasks such as selecting group members, organizing agendas, and communicating results. Instead, assign roles based on expertise and ensure all members feel accountable for the decision-making process and its outcome. Consider having the team collectively sign a responsibility statement to promote a more balanced distribution of power and an open exchange of ideas.

While implementing these strategies does not guarantee flawless decisions, they significantly enhance the quality of the decision-making process and interaction among group members. By unlocking the power of collective wisdom and steering clear of the perils of groupthink, you increase your chances of achieving successful outcomes. So, gather your group, apply a few of these strategies, and watch as your collective intelligence propels your organization forward.

Reflection: What strategy would be most helpful to you and your team? Give it a test run! In your next group meeting, experiment with the strategy and let us know how it works for you – [email protected]