I remember learning about Groupthink for the first time. The example used was the Challenger Space Shuttle, a moment in history that leaves a heavy impression on an elementary school kid who watched the launch on live television.
So, yeah, Groupthink to me was more than just a psychological/sociological phenomenon, but something that should be avoided at all cost.
This 1960’s elevator experiment effectively demonstrates how Groupthink works:
http://youtu.be/uuvGh_n3I_M
Powerful, right?
It’s important we don’t do this in our churches. Why do we do what we do? Tradition? Because all the other churches are doing it?
Keep this in mind the next time your tech team approaches a problem or you’re making decisions about the church sound system—you get the idea—beware of Groupthink.
Thoughts?
Rebecca Anderson says
Hi Eric: Looks like there’s a problem with your video link?
Eric Dye says
Thanks! Found another link… 🙂