I think Group Think LO29217

From: Jan Lelie (janlelie@wxs.nl)
Date: 09/23/02


Replying to LO29210 --

Helllo Alan, reader,

Feeling uncomfortable in a group and being able to express these feelings
in the group might be a litmus test of Group Think. When a group assumes
that feeling uncomfortable with the group is a risk to that group, feeling
uncomfortable might become hidden, suppressed. Members repress these
feelings. This tension might later surface in several ways. One way might
be that members from the group react furiously - or at least stronger thna
might be expected - when an outsider expresses his or hers feeling of
being uncomfortable with the conduct of that group. The Milgram
Experiments show how group pressure works even with relative innocent
observation.

I agree with you that our leaders act as human beings and hope they
consider themselves human beings. So a sensible leader should probe for
repressed feelings and tackle the paradox head-on.

All the best,

Jan Lelie

Alan Cotterell wrote:

>Jan, You posting on 'group think' makes me feel uncomfortable. It depicts
>something I have fought against for years. I suspect that in the last ten
>years I have met more people who think independently, however this may be
>due to the fact that I am now sixty and getting crustier.
>
>It is very enticing to become part of a group, the sense of belonging is
>very pleasant. However, I believe for survival it's essential to
>recognise risks and handle crises proactively, if possible. Being a
>comfortable (unthinking) part of the group subverts that.
>
>In addition I would say, I trust our leaders to act as human beings,
>however I'll make my own mind up about what affects me and mine.

-- 

Jan Lelie <janlelie@wxs.nl>

Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <Richard@Karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>


"Learning-org" and the format of our message identifiers (LO1234, etc.) are trademarks of Richard Karash.