Be provocative

Group-think and silent dissenters are bad for decisions. Be a contrarian, and poke the metaphorical bears.

Playing devil’s advocate us even more valuable in a group setting than it is one-to-one. In a group setting it can feel risky to speak out, especially when everyone else seems to agree with each other. But groupthink is dangerous: we end up reinforcing each others’ biases, and without a credible challenge we can ignore or dismiss other perspectives. Poor decisions are often the result. If you’re in a team meeting and your whole team is agreeing - especially if it’s just one or two voices, with everyone else in silence - then speak up. Be the contrary voice. Ask what would happen if they were wrong. Ask what assumptions they made along the way.

For more a more structured approach this kind of problem solving, consider using an exercise like the Six Thinking Hats, where multiple perspectives and approaches are baked into the process: everyone has to take the contrary position.

Finally, make sure you keep an eye out for silent dissenters in your team meeting. The people who are obviously uncomfortable with what’s been discussed, or who are visibly grumpy or annoyed, but who aren’t saying anything. Invite them to speak up. You might have to persevere, but encourage them to raise their concerns. If you leave them to stew then they’ll still disagree when they leave the meeting, but everyone else will be none the wiser. And if you’ve made a decision them, they’ll be even grumpier - and your decision have missed a crucial input.