{"id":2509,"date":"2015-11-05T00:01:56","date_gmt":"2015-11-05T05:01:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/terrencemetz.com\/?p=2509"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:38:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T17:38:32","slug":"challenge-groupthink","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/challenge-groupthink\/","title":{"rendered":"A Quick, 5-Minute Paradigm Exercise to Challenge Groupthink"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>We encourage professional facilitators to carry a toolbox. Include some intervention devices when you need to shake up your participants.\u00a0Be prepared to challenge <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">groupthink<\/span> if you start hearing things like . . .<\/h2>\n<p><img wpfc-lazyload-disable=\"true\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-10293 \" src=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/shutterstock_271721822.jpg\" alt=\"challenge groupthink\" width=\"586\" height=\"367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/shutterstock_271721822.jpg 500w, https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/shutterstock_271721822-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 586px) 100vw, 586px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><em>That will never change.<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><em>We don\u2019t do things like that around here.<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><em>etc.<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">. . . then jolt your participants. We have covered other exercises in <em>Best Practices<\/em> articles such as \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitation-dos-donts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Four Dots<\/a>\u201d and \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/challenge-the-status-quo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bookworm<\/a>\u201d. Below is an example that is quick, simple, and effective. Some call it the \u201cSpot.\u201d<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Groupthink: Your Goal<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">To shake up a <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/collaborate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">paradigm<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/challenge-the-status-quo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">challenge<\/a> groupthink. Otherwise, get your <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/consensus-does-not-mean-that-participants-are-going-to-be-happy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">participants<\/a> to focus on the <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/subject-matter-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CONTEXT<\/a> of something in addition to the <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/decision-quality\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CONTENT<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Groupthink: One Halting Method<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Using a <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/writing-easels\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">large flip chart<\/a>, or distributing white sheets of paper, place a small, colored spot or a few colored spots on the paper. Ask the <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-participants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">participants<\/a> to indicate what they see on the paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Most of them, and usually in sequence, will indicate they see a \u201cGreen Spot\u201d (or any color you choose). Consider using the white space on the easel to tally the number of same or similar responses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">While confirming that you also see the spot(s), NOTE that most individuals overlooked a large amount of white space surrounding the dots. Participants frequently miss or under-appreciate the context around us or the <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/problem-solving\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">deliverable<\/a> (be it a <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/diverse-teams\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">decision<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/action-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">plan<\/a>, etc.). You may point to the importance of <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/facilitative-leader\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">interpersonal relationships<\/a> at work as an example.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Additionally, you may point out that <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/product-owner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">customers<\/a> tend to identify the blemishes in our products and services, and frequently have a reasonable expectation for them to be fixed. Likewise, management focuses on the \u201cdots\u201d of our <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/effective-words\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">projects<\/a> or personal performance, failing to properly value the vastness of good, solid contributions and effort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Conclude by sharing that while it may be appropriate to look for the \u201cspots\u201d, we should also force ourselves to consider the large white area of equal importance. If there is any unique contribution or answer besides \u201cdots\u201d emphasize how that voice may have been discounted when the rest of the group focused on the \u201cdots\u201d, when in fact that solo voice may have been speaking about something far more <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/problem-solving\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">important<\/a> than the rest of the <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/meeting-conflict\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">group<\/a> combined.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>______<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Lead the Change\u2014One Meeting at a Time<\/b><\/span><b><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Are you ready to transform how decisions are made, problems are solved, and alignment is built in your organization?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>True meeting leadership goes beyond setting an agenda.<\/b><\/span> It requires a facilitator who can navigate complexity, balance voices, and drive toward outcomes with clarity and consensus. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/public-facilitation-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Professional Meeting Leadership Workshop<\/b><\/span><\/a> equips you to do just that\u2014blending <span class=\"s1\"><b>human-centric methods<\/b><\/span> with <span class=\"s1\"><b>structured analytical tools<\/b><\/span> to foster rigor, inclusivity, and results that stick.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Practice live.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Get expert feedback.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Build confidence that lasts.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Whether your meetings suffer from unclear objectives, disengaged participants, or decision fatigue, this workshop will help you <span class=\"s1\"><b>identify the root causes<\/b><\/span>, <span class=\"s1\"><b>apply proven facilitation techniques<\/b><\/span>, and <span class=\"s1\"><b>emerge as the leader every team needs<\/b><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\"><b>Take the first step today\u2014transform your meetings and magnify your impact.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"s2\" style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;\">\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/public-facilitation-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"s1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #ff0000;\"><b>Click here to reserve your seat now.<\/b><\/span><b><\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(Limited availability)<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 18pt;\"><b>Because every meeting should be a catalyst for change\u2014not just another calendar event.<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>______<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">With Bookmarks no longer a feature in WordPress, we provide the following for your benefit and reference.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">20 Prioritization Techniques = <a href=\"https:\/\/foldingburritos.com\/product-prioritization-techniques\/\">https:\/\/foldingburritos.com\/product-prioritization-techniques\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Creativity Techniques = <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mycoted.com\/Category:Creativity_Techniques\">https:\/\/www.mycoted.com\/Category:Creativity_Techniques<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Facilitation Training Calendar = <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/public-facilitation-training-calendar\/\">https:\/\/mgrush.com\/public-facilitation-training-calendar\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Liberating Structures = <a href=\"http:\/\/www.liberatingstructures.com\/ls-menu\">http:\/\/www.liberatingstructures.com\/ls-menu<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Management Methods = <a href=\"https:\/\/www.valuebasedmanagement.net\/\">https:\/\/www.valuebasedmanagement.net<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Newseum = https:\/\/www.freedomforum.org\/todaysfrontpages\/<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">People Search = <a href=\"https:\/\/pudding.cool\/2019\/05\/people-map\/\">https:\/\/pudding.cool\/2019\/05\/people-map\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Project Gutenberg = http:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/wiki\/Main_Page<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Scrum Events Agendas = <a href=\"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/scrum-facilitation\/\">https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/scrum-facilitation\/<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Speed test = <a href=\"https:\/\/www.speedtest.net\/result\/8715401342\">https:\/\/www.speedtest.net\/result\/8715401342<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Teleconference call = <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/DYu_bGbZiiQ\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/DYu_bGbZiiQ<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The Size of Space = https:\/\/neal.fun\/size-of-space\/<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Thiagi\/ 400 ready-to-use training games = <a href=\"http:\/\/thiagi.net\/archive\/www\/games.html\">http:\/\/thiagi.net\/archive\/www\/games.html<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Visualization methods = <a href=\"http:\/\/www.visual-literacy.org\/periodic_table\/periodic_table.html\">http:\/\/www.visual-literacy.org\/periodic_table\/periodic_table.html#<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Walking Gorilla = <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/vJG698U2Mvo\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/vJG698U2Mvo<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>______<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We encourage professional facilitators to carry a toolbox. Include some intervention devices when you need to shake up your participants.\u00a0Be prepared to challenge groupthink if you start hearing things like . . . That will never change. We don\u2019t do things like that around here. etc. . . . then jolt your participants. We have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[453185951,453185953],"tags":[453192297,453191161,270263,453192230],"class_list":["post-2509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leadership-skills","category-managing-conflict","tag-challenge","tag-challenge-groupthink","tag-groupthink","tag-paradigm"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Quick, 5-Minute Paradigm Exercise to Challenge Groupthink<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Carry intervention devices when you need to shake up 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