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The term group think refers to a sort of group momentum which
happens, long after initial decisions are taken. Suppose a board
of directors discuss painting the office pink. Everyone voices their
reason for the choice and all are totally in favour! Yet, as time
goes on each member of the group separately finds out reasons to
change their mind and wish for another colour. Eventually, nobody
wants pink but each person thinks the group still wants pink. They
all keep quiet and when the pink is on the wall, the group is blamed
for the mistake.
This group think phenomenon happened at the time United States
was deciding to invade Cuba, at the Bay of Pigs! Imagine, millions
of Germans could disapprove of Hitler's decisions but remain quiet,
even say: "I'm just following orders!" Having talked with
many Germans in early 1960s, the shame of a Nation was very palpable.
We believe that group think can be supported
by resonance because agreement is a sentiment of the heart, rather
than attitude of mind. It is also well established in psychology
that people can hold conflicting attitudes: For example: "As
a taxpayer, I am in favour of lowering taxes but as a father, I
want more tax dollars help educate my children!"
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Understanding Resonance Overcame Paul's Personal Tragedy:
Here's a heartbreaking experience, which may be my most important
learning gift! In telling this story I hope I do justice to all
involved. No malice or prejudice is intended here. In the
early 1970s my wife, Libby, and I entered a world-wide organization,
devoted to restoring planetary health and harmony. As slogans might
go: "This restoration was one person at a time!"
All members received training in "the principles of living,"
which would be "in common" with most systems of philosophy
and religions of the world. The ideas, if followed, assisted people
to live in harmony and contentment, in a world where this was in
shorter supply.
The "spirit of agreement" was included as an important
living strategy. We did, however, distinguish the "spirit
of agreement" as a sentiment. rather than "Yes man"
or automatic agreement about specifics. For example, I could
agree with the sentiment back of a suggestion without agreeing to
a specific suggestion: "Let's go for a coffee." becomes
"Let's have a drink and talk." (Not necessarily coffee!)
So, we all had many first hand experiences of resonance and the
power of agreeable work in groups.
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