Friday

Collective Folly: Five Things to Avoid


The authors of The Power of Collective Wisdom put together this simple list of the five things to look out for regarding collective folly:

a. Confirmation Bias: We fall victim to the tendency to search for and interpret information in ways that confirm our existing pre-conceptions. Such a bias prevents us from seeing new ideas or other possibilities.

b. The One True Answer: We begin to believe (perhaps because of a too-narrow view of possibilities) that there is only one right answer or approach to solve a problem or arrive at a solution. We become rigid and dogmatic.

c. Polarization, Initial: Individuals and sub groups become polarized in their views and polarized from each other, no longer listening or considering new possibilities.

d. Polarization, Deepening:
As levels of polarization grow, each new piece of information or viewpoint becomes additional fodder used to attack an “other.”

e. Impasse: The group discovers it is deadlocked. Worse yet, neither side is able to see how their own rigidity weakens the aims of the entire group or collective. The focus of attention is no longer on the issues needing resolution but on the unreasonable position of the other.

The result? Collective folly, the absence of sound judgment and the potential for a continuum of behaviors ranging from foolish behavior to criminality, evil, and depravity on a mass scale.

Agree? Disagree? Chime in below.

80 comments:

John Renesch said...

In reading this I could not help thinkinmg about the political impass we have reached here in the U.S., with each side more foucsed on opposing "the other" than what's best for the people. Here's to turning collective folly into collective wisdom, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Tim Blair said...

Yep, I've seen this a lot in corporate meetings. I couldn't agree more with John about the political impasse. BK should send a copy of this book to every person in the congress and the senate!

Amy Lenzo said...

This is great. I can see how these attitudes effect us at every level - from couple and family dynamics to work or other organizational interactions, to the national and international folly we fall into, as both John and Tim have pointed out.

I love that you've addressed how we fall into collective folly as well as how we access collective wisdom in your work - interestingly enough information about the former may be even more valuable for seeing ourselves accurately and creating the conditions in which we can effect change, both collectively and individually.

Carol Frenier said...

Very timely, Alan, given our current political debate. One of the challenges I offer to everyone, and am putting to myself as well,
is to apply these five items to myself. How am I exhibiting them right now in the national debate? It is a lot easier to see how these processes affect the "other" than how it affects ourselves, but self-awareness is where change is most likely to occur.

Barbara Paige Kaplan said...

Indeed, and the group can arrive at collective folly in the blink of an eye. Your five things to avoid may happen before there is any conscious awareness of the depth of difference. That's why we need people like ou at the beginning of an endeavor rather than when things have begun or completely fallen apart.

Eileen McDargh said...

By gum--they have described the California Legislature!!!

Anonymous said...

good day fellas. I'm honestly into shoes and I had been digging for the sake of that singular model. The prices for the sneakers are about 170 pounds on every page. But definitively I set this location selling them someone is concerned half price. I in reality want these [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]prada sneakers[/url]. I will definetly purchase them. what do you think?

Anonymous said...

hi there friends. I'm actually into shoes and I had been looking for that meticulous model. The prices as regards the sneakers are all over 310 bucks everwhere. But completely I found this locate selling them for half price. I in reality like those [url=http://www.shoesempire.com]gucci sneakers[/url]. I will probably buy these. what is your opinion?

Anonymous said...

What a great web log. I spend hours on the net reading blogs, about tons of various subjects. I have to first of all give praise to whoever created your theme and second of all to you for writing what i can only describe as an fabulous article. I honestly believe there is a skill to writing articles that only very few posses and honestly you got it. The combining of demonstrative and upper-class content is by all odds super rare with the astronomic amount of blogs on the cyberspace.

Anonymous said...

lz9tj2 hgh energizer pill id9lb4 hgh energizer cheap id3pr6 hgh energizer does it work zd3yp1

Anonymous said...

kc8wa1 xtreme no order rg6ma8 xtreme no buy gt7sv5 xtreme no legit pe9mz1

Anonymous said...

hf7mh4 xtreme no herbal dw1at4 cheap xtreme no wl0lh3 xtreme no in philippines cd0qh9

Anonymous said...

5ilxj783 provillus men 7wrbo057 buy provillus for hair 3twzm053 provillus long term 4rxix060

Anonymous said...

0wwvc825 provillus dietary supplement 3qgek965 provillus 4jevg813 provillus users 6ekfi585

Anonymous said...

jd7 raspberry ketones buy 7jn1am3 raspberry ketones reviews 5qk9rd5 purchase raspberry ketones 9wu2ii9 http://bestraspberryketonesbb.webs.com 0gm7jp4 raspberry ketone 4ke0yn9 purchase raspberry ketones 1pc8vs2 http://cheapraspberryketonesx.webs.com 4ky3dw9 raspberry ketones review 9cc5gv5

Anonymous said...

vm5 http://raspberryketonesbenefitsx.webs.com 3um4lh7 raspberry ketones reviews 9xk8du0 raspberry ketone 6dm2az1 best raspberry ketones 5hf2oy3 raspberry ketones 1md3zn8 order raspberry ketones 0pr8qj5 raspberry ketones 5rt2of9 order raspberry ketones 4cr8ud4

Anonymous said...

green coffee bean extracts cg3ct3 order green coffee bean extract xc8be5 green coffee bean extract eo1mh9 order green coffee bean extract fc1bp7 green coffee bean extract reviews ba3sg1 green coffee bean extract reviews cd9ox0 order green coffee bean extract gb7xu6 green coffee bean extract so2hb8 green coffee bean extract wj7vb1 green coffee bean extract ho2op9 cheap green coffee bean extract 100 green coffee bean extract lv3cp5

Anonymous said...

green coffee beans ui7zg0 green coffee bean extract review uw4to4 green coffee bean extract reviews xj1ph6 green coffee bean extract dv8ak4 order green coffee bean extract fj5zj4 order green coffee bean extract fl5zw9 green coffee bean extract reviews iy9jz5 green coffee bean extract reviews ke9rc9 green coffee bean extract pe1sb6 order green coffee bean extract ya8uj7 green coffee bean extract review green coffee beans tj8cc4

Anonymous said...

lv5vt6 garcinia cambogia effects gw0ox3 garcinia cambogia side effects qa6iy7 garcinia cambogia diet pills mu9ll4

Anonymous said...

df4yk0 garcinia cambogia extract pure oq1rs6 purchase garcinia cambogia vl7pv5 garcinia cambogia malaysia dh2fk1

Anonymous said...

rk2uz7 maqui berry on ebay uk8ca4 maqui berry diet maqui berry burn dp8qn0

Anonymous said...

ql1oa9 hgh energizer hipertrofia ro7wd9 http://hghenergizersupplement.tumblr.com gj3uf7 hgh energizer efeitos colaterais pw7cr5

Anonymous said...

wt6sc4 hgh energizer efeitos colaterais hz9gi2 hgh energizer ij6ag0 hgh energizer lojas ly1te0

Anonymous said...

raspberry ketones to buy 4rt8sb5 buy raspberry ketones do red raspberry ketones work 5ha9pr2

Anonymous said...

Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and
wanted to mention that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.

After all I'll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

My weblog - Hair Loss

Anonymous said...

I'm curious to find out what blog system you happen to be using? I'm having some small security issues with my latest site and I'd like to find something more secure. Do you have any solutions?

Also visit my web site ... http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/natural-hair-loss-treatments-and-product-reviews-explained-in-great-detail-at-hairlosshavencom-147600.htm

Anonymous said...

It is in point of fact a nice and helpful piece
of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful
info with us. Please stay us up to date like this.
Thank you for sharing.

Here is my blog post: http://provillusofficial.Blog.com

Anonymous said...

I need to to thank you for this very good read!
! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you
book-marked to look at new stuff you post…

Feel free to surf to my web-site ... Kingbio hemorrhoid relief

Anonymous said...

Excellent write-up. I absolutely love this website.

Thanks!

Look into my web blog - http://coloncleanserreviews.typepad.com

Anonymous said...

Very energetic blog, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?


my homepage :: x-zik.net
My page - Senaida

Anonymous said...

Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital
to assert that I get actually enjoyed account
your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

Look at my web site: Kingbio hemorrhoid relief

Anonymous said...

continuously i used to read smaller articles or reviews
which also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post
which I am reading at this place.

Also visit my web-site Dwain

Anonymous said...

I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This piece of
writing posted at this website is truly good.

Feel free to visit my blog post ... http://jacquesschneider.webs.com/

Anonymous said...

That is very fascinating, You are a very professional blogger.

I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to in the hunt for more of your excellent post.
Additionally, I've shared your website in my social networks

Feel free to surf to my weblog ... http://hoidtreatment.webs.com/apps/blog/show/13931969-procerin-meh-it-s-ok-

Anonymous said...

Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine.
Please let me know where you got your design. Many thanks

My web blog; http://benbergerhealth.blog.com/

Anonymous said...

Hello, I log on to your new stuff regularly.
Your writing style is witty, keep it up!

Here is my blog: http://anawinta.net/?L=blogs.blog&article=69477
Also see my web site :: karin

Anonymous said...

I've been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site. Studying this information So i am happy to show that I've a very just
right uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I most
surely will make certain to do not fail to remember this website and
provides it a look on a constant basis.

Feel free to surf to my website: http://Hoidtreatment.Webs.com/apps/blog/show/3537977-scalp-med

Anonymous said...

What's up mates, its great article concerning tutoringand completely explained, keep it up all the time.

my site http://lucila13.wetpaint.com/page/Some+More+Info+On+Provillus+Ingredients

Anonymous said...

Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you be familiar with then you can write or else it is complicated to write.


my page Ezekiel
my web page - http://jacquesschneider.webs.com/apps/blog/show/20963783-defining-fashion-of-chi-camo-flat-irons

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post however , I was wanting to know if you could
write a litte more on this topic? I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Thanks!

my blog post ... http://hoidtreatment.webs.com/apps/blog/show/12172160-profollica-men-s-hair-growth

Anonymous said...

This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me.

Thank you!

Here is my website; http://www.beatlast.com/groups/how-effective-are-natural-hair-loss-treatments/

Anonymous said...

Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it's really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate if you continue this in future.

Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!


Also visit my weblog http://refrigeratorwaterfilters.webs.com/apps/blog/show/20856300-discount-refrigerator-water-filters-and-how-to-find-them

Anonymous said...

Hey outstanding website! Does running a blog such as this
take a massive amount work? I've very little knowledge of programming but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future. Anyhow, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off topic however I just needed to ask. Cheers!

Also visit my site Http://anawinta.net

Anonymous said...

At this time it looks like BlogEngine is the best blogging platform available right now.

(from what I've read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

Also visit my website: http://sekepat.com/Provillus-Baldness-Treatments-Offer-Natural-Hair-Growth-For-Less.htm

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles
as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage?
My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my users would
genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards!

Review my page; Janeen

Anonymous said...

Hey would you mind letting me know which hosting company you're working with? I've loaded your blog
in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads
a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a fair price?
Kudos, I appreciate it!

Look at my homepage ... http://bozooble.com/index.php?do=/profile-12906/info/
my page - Tommie

Anonymous said...

What's up to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this site, and your views are fastidious in favor of new viewers.

Here is my homepage ... gather.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks to my father who shared with me about this
weblog, this website is actually remarkable.

My web blog http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/rogaine-review-does-it-work-was-published-today-203166.htm

Anonymous said...

Aw, this was a very good post. Taking the time and
actual effort to produce a top notch article… but what can I say… I put things
off a lot and don't seem to get anything done.

Feel free to visit my site: http://coloncleanserreviews.typepad.com/colon-cleanse/2012/04/more-on-scalp-med.html
Also see my webpage > Kingbio hemorrhoid relief

Anonymous said...

I'm really enjoying the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues? A few of my blog readers have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any solutions to help fix this issue?

my homepage; Provillus
My website - Provillus

Anonymous said...

I was pretty pleased to uncover this site. I need to to thank you for your
time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely
enjoyed every little bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new things on your web site.


my homepage profollica

Anonymous said...

With us you'll be able to get approval of 3 Month Payday Loans No Credit Check No Faxing within one day of application cheap quick loans the catch for the cash advance trap can be found inside situation that literally brings people to obtain the loan inside the first place.

Anonymous said...

This is a topic that's near to my heart... Cheers! Where are your contact details though?

my site; http://thuvuwwa.moonfruit.com/

Anonymous said...

I all the time used to study article in news papers but now
as I am a user of net thus from now I am using net for articles, thanks to web.


my page: http://www.iccup.com/content/blogs/A_Guide_To_Vital_Details_In_Swimming_Pools.html

Anonymous said...

Yes! Finally someone writes about Provillus.

My web site - provillus results

Anonymous said...

I do accept as true with all of the ideas you have presented on your post.
They're really convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for beginners. Could you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.

Here is my webpage: http://en.netlog.com

Anonymous said...

Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I'd figured I'd ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog
article or vice-versa? My website goes over a lot
of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each
other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an email.

I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!


Also visit my website ... communities.bentley.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed
reading it, you might be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and
will come back in the future. I want to encourage continue your
great work, have a nice evening!

Feel free to visit my web page: http://www.homebasedbusinessprogram.com/profiles/blogs/provillus-forums-real-important-things-about-provillus

Anonymous said...

Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this
board and I in finding It really useful & it helped me out
much. I'm hoping to present something back and help others like you helped me.

my blog post maxzidi.runnerspace.com

Anonymous said...

Hello i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also
make comment due to this brilliant paragraph.

Also visit my blog - http://www.migente.com/your_page/blog/view_posting.html?pid=3889702&profile_id=7902955&profile_name=Thuvuwwa&user_id=7902955&username=Thuvuwwa

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Provillus. Regards

Feel free to surf to my website http://thuvuwwa.livejournal.com/625.html

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles
as long as I provide credit and sources back to
your site? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my
users would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks a lot!


Here is my webpage; provillus active ingredient

Anonymous said...

Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There's a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thanks

My website ... http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981720908

Anonymous said...

I savor, result in I discovered exactly what I
used to be taking a look for. You have ended my four day long hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

My webpage :: thuvuwwai.webs.com

Anonymous said...

This post will help the internet visitors for
building up new website or even a blog from start to
end.

Also visit my weblog - http://thuvuwwa.jimdo.com/

Anonymous said...

I've been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.

My weblog http://lucila13.wetpaint.com/page/Provillus+Ingredients+And+It+Deals+With+Hair+Loss

Anonymous said...

Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend
your site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept

Here is my website; http://briggshemorrhoids.blog.com

Anonymous said...

Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of info on your page.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hello there, You have performed an incredible job.
I'll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I'm sure
they will be benefited from this web site.

My site ... http://thuvuwwan.blogspot.com/2013/03/options-for-speedy-systems-in-swimming.html

Anonymous said...

Great article! That is the kind of info that are supposed to be shared around the web.
Disgrace on Google for not positioning this submit upper!

Come on over and talk over with my site . Thank you =)

My site :: http://www.supernova.com

Anonymous said...

I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it's rare to see a nice blog like this one today.

Also visit my webpage :: provillus long term

Anonymous said...

My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different website and thought I might
as well check things out. I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to exploring your web page for a second time.

Look at my blog ... www.23hq.com

Anonymous said...

I'm extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.

My weblog; gffjgfgh.shutterfly.com

Anonymous said...

Definitely consider that that you stated.
Your favourite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest
thing to have in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed
whilst other folks consider concerns that they just do not understand about.
You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the entire
thing without having side effect , folks can take a signal.
Will probably be again to get more. Thank you

my blog: blurpalicious.com

Anonymous said...

Wonderful goods from you, man. I've take into account your stuff previous to and you're just extremely wonderful.
I actually like what you have acquired right here, certainly like what you are
saying and the best way during which you assert it.
You are making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to
keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you.
That is really a great website.

My web blog :: provillus

Anonymous said...

I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
And i'm glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

Here is my website :: provillus ingredients list

Anonymous said...

Τhis excellent websitе trulу has all of
thе infогmatiоn and factѕ I nееԁеd about thіs subject and didn't know who to ask.

Here is my web site: raspberry ketones health

Anonymous said...

obviously like your web site however you have to test the spelling on quite
a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to
inform the truth nevertheless I'll surely come again again.

my web blog :: Cost Of dental implants

Anonymous said...

Verу nicе post. I simρly ѕtumbled upon уour blοg anԁ wanteԁ
tо mention that I have гeally lovеd browsіng youг
blog ρosts. Afteг all I'll be subscribing for your rss feed and I'm hoping
yοu ωгite oncе more νeгy soon!



Αlso visit my homepage :: vitamin shoppe store finder

Anonymous said...

Beсause thе aԁmin οf this site is working, nо uncertainty
veгy raρіdly it will be rеnowneԁ, due to іts feаture contents.


Also viѕit my web site - vistaprint coupons

Anonymous said...

During coffee drinkers having to get large volumes of drinking coffee, a fabulous non-espresso
navigator is your best alternative. A light box's 48 sq size including barbequing show up indicates fix all-around you like, from a single doing on the way to family-size servings. Around one hour, you'll teeth vivid white because
of surrounding through process of 5 upto 7 covers that
sometimes compares to other remedies is an important increase.
BestBuy, that was praised as a in between the Top-rated 10's More Full Corporations in the nation, more or less offers the BestBuy employee discounted rate for zilch. Space connected with first considerations appeared to be to sizeable plentiful to support diminish problems whereas keying in, and the model came down to safe on type of attached to and last and last at that time.

Check out my site Coffeemakersnow.Com