Most businesses are becoming increasingly focused on collaborative problem solving. They often group employees together into project teams to tackle the mounting challenges they face. These new models can often be overwhelming for introverts. However, introverts can play a very important role in the problem solving process: they can help break the groupthink model.
What is Groupthink?
The goal of collaborative problem solving is to encourage team members to share their own perspectives and help formulate solutions that other individuals wouldn’t be able to come up with on their own. Experts believe that “the sum of the parts is greater than the whole” when individuals combine their faculties to work together on a project.
There are a lot of benefits to working in teams. However, there are a couple of limiting factors as well. One of the problems with collaborative problem solving is that team members often end up conforming to the ideas of the other group members. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as groupthink.
A considerable amount of research has shown that groupthink can be a seriously delimiting factor to the problem solving process. Many people are uncomfortable sharing potential solutions to complex problems. They sit in silence while an inferior idea is proposed.
Is Collaboration Always More Effective?
Recent studies also indicate that people tend to be much more creative and effective problem solvers when they work in solitude. This may not always be the case, but seems to be true a considerable amount of the time.
Groupthink may not be as much of an issue when group members are assertive enough to challenge the ideas of the group. However, such a situation tends to be the exception rather than the rule. Group leaders almost always emerge in any situation, whether they are formally appointed or simply take the initiative of appointing themselves.
The group leader is never omniscient. The informal group leader usually derives their power from their assertiveness rather than their expertise. However, the other group members often defer to the leader and refrain from challenging their ideas. This situation tends to create issues for the team as it struggles to come up with a solution to a complex organizational problem.
Where do Introverts Fit into the Model?
Award winning author Susan Cain recently wrote on the value introverts play in the workforce in some of her books, including Quiet: The Power of Introverts. Introverts are often the most creative problem solvers in the organization. Other experts are beginning to see this value as well.
Introverts may give into groupthink as well, but they tend to do so more reluctantly. There are a number of theories as to why this is the case. I personally believe that introverts are often less concerned with fitting in with the rest of their employees.
They don’t encourage businesses to completely refrain from using group problem solving models. However, they believe that they should try to recognize the value of solitude and encourage employees to spend some time dealing with these issues alone.
As an ENTP, I certainly agree with this approach. ENTPs share the introvert’s appreciation for solitude. A hybrid problem solving model that gives employees more time to reflect on their own ideas could make it easier for them to challenge the ideas proposed by their coworkers.
About the Author: Kalen Smith writes about business and leadership topics such as i o psychology graduate programs.
Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dombrassey/
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True when you solve problems in groups the leader frequently takes the lead and everybody follows their lead. Individual problem solving can hence be beneficial in order to come up with more solutions.
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Catarina recently posted..Rising inequality – the main risk facing the world?
Groups with a leader that values the individual are typically more productive. The best of both worlds....
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Geek Girl recently posted..Week 1 Giveaway Winner
I don't necessarily agree that an individual is a better problems solver than groups. I've facilitated quite a few creative problem solving groups and have found that two heads are better than one, four heads are better than two, etc. It's up to the facilitator to ensure that one of the vocal participants doesn't hijack the session. At the end of a session when all the ideas have been recorded -- I ask "OK, now give me your wildest ideas, don't filter them, don't worry if they are doable." Funny thing is when you liberate people they come up with the best ideas!
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Jeannette Paladino recently posted..Does Your Personal Brand Reflect Who You Are and What You Do?
Catarina, I often see in problem solving that the leader gets the most creative results as a facilitator. And creativity, is more dependent on each individual contribution. Thanks.
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PatriciaWeber recently posted..The secret to fast sustainable profit by guest blogger Monique MacKinnon
Geek Girl, it seems to me that in valuing individuals they would create the environment so that all willing to contribute, would. Thanks!
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PatriciaWeber recently posted..Top Ten 2012 Introvert Blog Posts
Jeannette and I believe Kalen is saying what you summarized as, "It's up to the facilitator to ensure that one of the vocal participants doesn't hijack the session." Hence the recommendation from her research, " recognize the value of solitude and encourage employees to spend some time dealing with these issues alone." Because THAT is where creativity sparks.
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PatriciaWeber recently posted..Top Ten 2012 Introvert Blog Posts
I think that it really depends on the individual and the group dynamics. Whether or not an introvert can be better problem solvers or not...I cannot evaluate. I would want to see a study on that. I would prefer to say that quiet intuitive individuals tend to be problems solvers and that could include introverts. I think it is probably not a good thing to classify a sub-culture or a group of individuals who have challenges as having the ability to be a certain way or vice versa. In our society, people get compartmentalized too easy as it is. Thanks.
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Martin Casper recently posted..The Danger of Neglecting Your Offline Sphere of Influence
LOL! Martin are you SURE you are operating on your extrovert cylinders today? It's mostly introverts who want - a study! Actually, In Susan Cain's book you'll have your daily quota of studies satisfied. It's a lot of terrific research.
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PatriciaWeber recently posted..Top Ten 2012 Introvert Blog Posts
Maybe the introvert's participation in the meeting should be something like "I'm in listening mode during the meeting and will respond with my own ideas after processing every one else's either via email or the follow up meeting."
I like that Chris. The main thing with going in with that mindset, is the more extroverted need to know that as well. Thanks for the great addition!
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PatriciaWeber recently posted..Top Ten 2012 Introvert Blog Posts
A few commentors may have said it all depends on the person. It also depends on the group's dynamic and the leader and how the process is approached. Many times a group think will take over and that will shut done creative thinking regardless of whether they are an introvert or extrovert and no one really benefits. For me there are time collaboration will help me break through a block. that can be very helpful for many for the same reason. Just my thoughts and stream of consciousness... LOL
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Susan Cooper recently posted..Guest Post By Dan Meyers: My Most Embarrassing Moment Ever – Story
I will agree with jeannete, an individuality is not necessarily a better problem solver. I think there is a time to work as individual and also in groups. Going solo doesn't always workout fine. But as a group putting heads together will make things better.
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