Course Description
Groupthink occurs when people prioritize agreement and uniformity instead of critical thinking. This can occur for a number of reasons. People may be afraid to go against their leaders, or they might dislike confrontation and conflict with other members on their team. But avoiding groupthink doesn’t have to mean creating a combative and argumentative environment where everyone tries to struggle to the top. It’s important to encourage your team to think critically and collaborate more effectively, resulting in better decision-making and stronger results. But what strategies can you use to guide your team towards a more thoughtful and efficient mindset where groupthink isn’t involved?
In this course, we’ll discuss the dangers of groupthink by overviewing some real-world examples of groupthink and how it negatively affects companies’ growth. We’ll take a look at common signs of groupthink and strategies you can use to mitigate these risks. We’ll also talk about the psychology of group dynamics, including how leadership styles affect group decision-making.
What You'll Learn
- Understand how groupthink negatively impacts teams and organizations
- Recognize ways to combat groupthink and encourage critical thinking
- Identify the common warning signs of groupthink
- Examine the psychology of group dynamics and how it shapes decision-making
- Explore how leadership styles affect group decision-making
- Apply strategies to mitigate the risks of groupthink
Key Takeaways
- Groupthink occurs when people prioritize agreement and uniformity instead of critical thinking.
- Groupthink can arise because people are afraid to go against leaders or dislike confrontation and conflict with teammates.
- Avoiding groupthink does not require creating a combative or argumentative environment.
- Encouraging critical thinking and collaboration leads to better decision-making and stronger results.
- Leadership styles affect how groups make decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this course cover?
The course discusses the dangers of groupthink through real-world examples, common signs of groupthink, strategies to mitigate these risks, and the psychology of group dynamics, including how leadership styles affect group decision-making.
What is groupthink?
Groupthink occurs when people prioritize agreement and uniformity instead of critical thinking, which can happen when people fear going against leaders or dislike confrontation with teammates.
What skills will I gain from this course?
The course focuses on decision making and team leadership.
What topics are included in the lessons?
Lessons include an Introduction, Introduction to Groupthink, Recognizing the Signs of Groupthink, The Psychology of Group Dynamics, and a Test Your Knowledge section.
Professional Certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Professional Development Credits (PDCs): 0.25
KnowledgeCity is approved by SHRM as a Recertification General Provider to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). By taking the courses approved by SHRM, KnowledgeCity can award SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (the SHRM BASK™).
