In the past two posts, I’ve tried to answer why we, as humans, are so ready to agree with others, even when we know it’s wrong, or not what we think? The real question should be what can we do about it?
People who know me might say I am a bit of an iconoclast, always questioning the prevailing norm (see “There Are Alligators in the Sewers of NY“). But I often have others say to me after a meeting, “I wished I’d asked that question.” It’s a kind of a pain in the ass trait, and not one that will endear you to some management or others.
I can’t say when I acquired the trait, but I am reminded of a short film I saw once a long time ago (before the “Internets”, video and Youtube) called “The Road to Abilene.” It was developed by management expert, Jerry B. Harvey, and it had a profound impact on me, to the extent that I can see the black and white film in my mind years later.
“The Abilene Paradox as it has become known, occurs when a group of people collectively decide on a course of action that is counter to the preferences of any of the individuals in the group. It involves a common breakdown of group communication in which each member mistakenly believes that their own preferences are counter to the group’s and, therefore, does not raise objections.*”
The film is a story of a family of four, a mother and father, their daughter, and son-in-law sitting on a back Texas porch in 110 degree heat. The daughter says, “I could sure use some cold ice cream.” Then the son-in-law says, “I know a great place for ice cream. What do you think Mom?” Mom says, “Well if you kids want ice cream, I guess that’s OK. What do you think Dad?” Dad says, “Sounds fine to me Mom.” Three hours later, the film cuts to them in their non air-conditioned car, covered in sweat on the way back from Abilene. They’re each irritated with the others, claiming it wasn’t their idea to drive 110 miles to Abilene in 110 degree heat. Mom says something like, “That was a great idea.” The moral of the story is obvious.
Yet, it’s a common occurrence in business, and it is a huge suck on productivity and morale. So what are some things you can do to avoid taking the Road to Abilene?
Do Great Things!
Lee Stocking
Prairie Sky Group
Making Sales Cry with Qualified Leads
lee.stocking@gmail.com
651-357-0110 (Cell 24×7)
*Wikipedia