Groupthink Examples from History

Effectual group decision making does not happen by itself. In order for a group to make sound decisions each member must be comfortable enough to disagree with the majority. This online training video explores the sometimes tragic consequences of poor group decision-making and highlights what successful group decisions look like.

This training video models eight symptoms of groupthink using dramatizations based on historical examples. These symptoms include the illusion of invulnerability, the belief in the inherent morality of the group, rationalization, the stereotypes of out-groups, self-censorship, direct pressure, mindguards, and the illusion of unanimity.

Once leaders recognize groupthink they can help the group avoid succumbing to it by cultivating an open climate, avoiding isolation, encouraging critical evaluation and avoiding being too directive. Employees able to recognize groupthink can lead their team in making superior decisions in an encouraging atmosphere.

   This course is in the Video On Demand format, to read about Video On Demand features click here.

All group/team participants

• Introduction
• The Groupthink Hypothesis
• Unsuccessful Group Decisions
• 8 Symptoms of Groupthink
• Leading Positive Group Decisions
• Conclusion

• Teamwork: Chilean Mine Rescue: The Unstoppable Team
• Twelve Angry Men: The Decision Making Environment
• Twelve Angry Men: Different Kind Of Leadership