JFK and Groupthink: Lessons in Decision Making

Last night I was checking out Probe Ministries website and came accross a very interesting article I thought you too might enjoy: JFK and Groupthink: Lessons in Decision Making by Rusty Wright

The National Director of Probe Ministries is Kerby Anderson whom I've seen on multiple occassions in the DTS chapel. He usually keeps it semi-interactive and basically lets students ask questions. I found him quite informative on issues not normally addressed within the academy. If you watch the DTS chapels by Kerby Anderson you'll get a good grasp of what Probe Ministries is all about.

Back to the original article JFK and Groupthink: Lessons in Decision Making. Rusty Wright concludes his article with these observations:

"As we have seen, Kennedy's presidency provides some potent examples of this psychological theory about flawed group decision-making. When the group culture overvalues internal agreement, members can become unrealistic.

"Symptoms of groupthink include:

"Illusions of invulnerability: 'No one can defeat us.'
Belief in the group's inherent morality: 'We can do no wrong.'
Rationalizing away serious problems: 'Danger signs? What danger signs?'
Stereotyping the opposition: 'Those guys are too dumb or too weak to worry about.'
Illusions of unanimity: 'Members who keep silent probably agree with the ones who speak out.'
Pressuring dissenters: 'Look, are you a team player or not?'

"Of course, not every group succumbs to groupthink. Nor does groupthink explain every bad group decision (decision makers could be inept, greedy or just plain evil, for example).

"What about you? What can you do to avoid the groupthink trap?"

Rusty Wright offers three answers of his own:

"First: Determine to stand for what is right, regardless of the cost."

"Second: Determine to speak up when the situation warrants it.

"Third: Seek to structure groups to avoid blind conformity and encourage healthy debate."

My question to all of you EBCAlumni is what other answers can we give on top of Wright's three answers? And also, in what ways can/should this be applied to the local church setting? Be sure to read the article. I assure you you'll find it interesting and quick to read.