Who wants to stand up & be seen as the least knowledgeable person in the room?
Most of us just shrink at the mere thought of it… but this is what some companies are championing!
I am sure you have heard the term groupthink! Research clearly shows that once someone who is seen, either as more senior, or more knowledgeable, shares their view then others are less likely to challenge them, or ask a question which might contradict!
So some companies are encouraging those in the room who are new or have little prior knowledge of a subject to say what they see first & ask questions. This can help shift from re-inforcing what is known today, to curiosity & listening if there might be something unknown which could be better…
This highlights to me how we miss opportunities each & every day by not asking that question which might make us look silly, or saying something which just looks blinding obvious to us (so they must have already thought about it…right?).
What methods do you use to challenge ‘group think’ & really engage the potential of cognitive diversity? Leaders what does this mean for you? Can you be comfortable being the least knowledgeable person in the room?? I would love to hear your thoughts!
