Have you ever stayed quiet in a meeting because you did not want to come across as being unsupportive of the group's efforts?
If so, you have become a follower and there is a term for this suffering: “herd-mentality.”
Herd-mentality is when everyone in a group begins to think alike; it is when people make decisions as a caucus discouraging individuality and initiative.It is when the group consensus cancels out common sense, alternatives or criticism.
Herd-mentality occurs when a group has a strong and persuasive leader, when it has a high level of unity or when it has intense pressure from the outside.
So, here is my thought:
It is essential to stay away from the herd-mentality; lack of conflict or opposition results in poor decisions because alternatives are never fully analyzed.
Be willing to stand out; you won’t lead the pack by sticking with the multitude, you will lead by daring to do things differently.
Develop your own opinion; learn about your choices so you can make intelligent and well-informed decisions.
Just because everyone is agreeing, it doesn’t mean they are right; take time to make decisions, ask questions and evaluate your options.
Do not be concerned about what the rest of the people think about you; choose what is best for you!
Keep in mind: herd-mentality is an easy way to avoid personal responsibility; most importantly, it takes guts to walk away from a herd!
“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ― George S. Patton Jr.
If so, you have become a follower and there is a term for this suffering: “herd-mentality.”
Herd-mentality is when everyone in a group begins to think alike; it is when people make decisions as a caucus discouraging individuality and initiative.It is when the group consensus cancels out common sense, alternatives or criticism.
Herd-mentality occurs when a group has a strong and persuasive leader, when it has a high level of unity or when it has intense pressure from the outside.
So, here is my thought:
It is essential to stay away from the herd-mentality; lack of conflict or opposition results in poor decisions because alternatives are never fully analyzed.
Be willing to stand out; you won’t lead the pack by sticking with the multitude, you will lead by daring to do things differently.
Develop your own opinion; learn about your choices so you can make intelligent and well-informed decisions.
Just because everyone is agreeing, it doesn’t mean they are right; take time to make decisions, ask questions and evaluate your options.
Do not be concerned about what the rest of the people think about you; choose what is best for you!
Keep in mind: herd-mentality is an easy way to avoid personal responsibility; most importantly, it takes guts to walk away from a herd!
“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ― George S. Patton Jr.
