Lesson 9: Recognize and Break Patterns of Groupthink | Adam Grant

Avoid the HIPPO Effect. Foster loyalty to organizational values.

Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “When we all think alike, no one thinks very much,” which perfectly captures the danger of groupthink. In fact, organizational psychologist Adam Grant argues that groupthink can be an organization’s downfall, as it leaves very little room for innovation and creativity — and thus little room for growth.

In this video lesson, Grant discusses the HIPPO Effect and explores ways leaders can shake up and avoid blind consensus in favor of a diversity of perspectives and voices that constructively challenge.

Groupthink: The tendency in teams and organizations to seek consensus rather than foster dissent and diversity of thought

Groupthink is dangerous for organizations. It may cause them to miss out on:

Major problems (because no one sees or talks about them)

Opportunities for innovation, experimentation, and growth (because no one tries new ideas)

Organizations that fall victim to groupthink may fail to thrive and succeed.

The HIPPO Effect: When a team rushes to agree with the Highest-Paid Person’s Opinion

As a leader, you can disrupt the HIPPO Effect by speaking last:

Frame the conversation.

Talk about the stakes.

Highlight different options.

But don’t disclose your preferences.

Go around the room to get a variety of analyses so that you’re more informed by the time you present your opinion.

Fidelity to Purpose, Not People

Groupthink may emerge when leaders reward personal loyalty. Instead, reward loyalty to organizational values and mission. Empower people to challenge a leader who jeopardizes the vision or violates the group’s values.

© Freethink Media Inc., All Rights Reserved.

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About Adam Grant:

Adam Grant has been Wharton’s top-rated professor for seven straight years. As an organizational psychologist, he is a leading expert on how we can find motivation and meaning, rethink assumptions, and live more generous and creative lives. He has been recognized as one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers and Fortune’s 40 under 40.

Grant is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of five books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 45 languages: Think Again, Give and Take, Originals, Option B, and Power Moves. His books have been named among the year’s best by Amazon, Apple, the Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His viral piece on languishing was the most-read New York Times article of 2021 and the most-saved article across all platforms.

Grant hosts WorkLife, a chart-topping TED original podcast. His speaking and consulting clients include Google, the NBA, Bridgewater, and the Gates Foundation. He writes on work and psychology for The New York Times, has served on the Defense Innovation Board at the Pentagon, has been honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and has appeared on Billions. He has more than 6 million followers on social media and features new insights in GRANTED, his free monthly newsletter.