Last week saw the publication of the UK’s Covid Inquiry that laid bare the failings of UK preparedness for the pandemic. Crucially, it found that a degree of groupthink among civil servants, experts and ministers had falsely led the government to believe that the UK was well prepared for a pandemic.
Examples of groupthink tend to focus on high profile events such as the Covid pandemic, but it is equally pervasive in everyday life and if not addressed it can prevent organisations from achieving their true potential.
A leading cause of groupthink is a lack of critical thinking. This is often the result of having a room full of people with similar backgrounds, experiences, and outlook who then identify the same opportunities and risks. Since everyone agrees then it must be right!
However, adding a different perspective might change things dramatically which is why having a range of voices can reduce the risk of groupthink. It is encouraging that organisations are becoming more aware of the need for diversity in decision making, but diversity can achieve little without inclusion.
In other words, it is not worth having a diverse group unless everyone feels comfortable to share their opinions, an environment that emerges when everyone feels comfortable to be their true self in the workplace.
An inclusive culture creates a competitive advantage
In an increasingly competitive world, diversity and inclusion will not only prevent groupthink, but also help you achieve organisational goals. As Jim Fitterling, Chairman & CEO of Dow and one of only three Fortune 500 CEOs who are openly LGBTQ+ stated:
“we need everyone working together and focused on the challenges in front of us. We need to make sure no one fears being their whole self while they’re at work—because we need everyone’s inputs included to achieve our goals.”
It is perhaps no surprise that Dow is a 125 year-old Fortune 500 company that ranks 3rd in the annual Fair360 rankings that measure management across the dimensions of gender, ethnicity, orientation, age, disabilities and veteran status.
By cultivating a workplace where everyone feels respected and empowered to share their ideas, organisations can unlock new levels of creativity, problem-solving, and performance. Ultimately, it’s this combination of diversity and inclusion that drives sustainable success and resilience, ensuring that organisations are not only prepared for future challenges but are also capable of thriving in an ever-evolving landscape.
Happy Pride Week!
