Worse Than Groupthink? Groupfeel

Groupthink is people accepting the same set of ideas, and voicing them in the same way.

Groupfeel is when these ideas go deeper and infect attitudes, causing subtle emotions; the result is that each individual learns what not to say.

Groupthink creates an unhealthy atmosphere of conformity which discourages free thinking and blinds the members. Cult behaviour is an extreme form of groupthink – and religion isn’t far behind.

Groupfeel gives rise to the emotional blocks that prevent individuals from expressing concerns, in case they’re seen as ‘negative’ or ‘contrary’ to the groupthink. In other words, there’s a fear of rejection due to insecurity. We want to be accepted and liked, but feel we have no status to speak up. Worrying that we lack enough data to back up our observations, we have a fear of appearing irrational and hold back possible solutions to any problems – while groupthink sees no problems.

Getting along is a unspoken norm, so people wait for meetings to be over to present their queries to others. This turns out to be a big mistake as, although others may initially agree, they quickly close ranks and shun these concerns – and the person, who may be quieter or more thoughtful than other members, finds that their views simply aren’t acknowledged at all.

This is the time we move on from all those emotions, fears, mistrusts, insecurities which may be present in a seemingly ‘harmonious’ group.