Speaking Up at Work

CHAPTER 5

Promoting Independent Thinking

This chapter explores ways to promote independent thinking in your team and organization. We’ll explore a wide range of techniques and mindsets that can help you avoid groupthink and surface the best thinking within your team. This chapter differs from previous chapters in assuming you are in a position with formal authority within your group and/or organization.

Autocratic and Democratic Leadership Styles

As a leader, one of the biggest challenges in helping to promote independent thinking and speaking up is to overcome autocratic impulses. As Ray Dalio, the founder of one of the largest hedge funds in the world, writes in his book of management principles:

Even the most benevolent leaders are prone to ...