Episode 4: When Consensus Hurts: Understanding Groupthink

04/23/25 • 16 min

In this episode, Ryan breaks down the concept of Groupthink—what it is, how it creeps into decision-making, and why even smart teams can fall into its trap. From history books to meeting rooms, Ryan explores how to spot it and stop it before it derails your mission.

🧠 Groupthink

Coined by Irving Janis in the 1970s

📖 Learn more:

Overview on Verywell Mind: 👉 https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-groupthink-2795213
Bay of Pigs context from History.com: 👉 https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/bay-of-pigs-invasion
Bay of Pigs lesson on leadership (JFK Library): 👉 https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/the-bay-of-pigs

🧠 Groupthink

Coined by Irving Janis in the 1970s

📖 Learn more:

Overview on Verywell Mind: 👉 https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-groupthink-2795213
Bay of Pigs context from History.com: 👉 https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/bay-of-pigs-invasion
Bay of Pigs lesson on leadership (JFK Library): 👉 https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/jfk-in-history/the-bay-of-pigs

Previous Episode

Episode 3: Herzberg's Two-Factor (Motivation-Hygiene) Theory of Motivation

This episode is all about motivation! Ryan discusses Herzberg's (1959) Two-Factor, or Motivation-Hygiene, Theory of Motivation. This theory may be aging, but it's still very relevant in the workplace today. Ryan discusses the factors of the theory and how they contribute to motivating employees. Enjoy!

Next Episode

Episode 5: Teamwork Takes Time: Navigating Tuckman's Stages of Group Development Model

Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development Model—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning—might sound like corporate buzzwords, but it’s a powerful way to understand how teams evolve. In this episode, Ryan explores how this model plays out in nonprofit settings, with implications for leaders and team members. Whether you're managing a board, staff, or volunteers, knowing your group stage can help guide it forward. Listen in!

📚 Resources for Further Exploration

🔍 Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384–399. - Seminal theory article

📄 Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. C. (1977). Stages of small-group development revisited. Group & Organization Studies, 2(4), 419–427. - Adds the adjourning stage

🛠️ MindTools: Tuckman’s Stages of Team Development https://www.mindtools.com/ay49bon/tuckmans-forming-storming-norming-performing - Model overview and application tips