Beware of the Clones

Effective group processes and sound decision-making require diversity; in particular, cognitive diversity. Too often companies recruit new people who think too similar to their existing cohort (known as cloning). This desire for conformity and cohesion is based on the mistaken belief that a harmonious group is an effective group. Conflict-free discussions and quick consensus appear to be hallmarks of high-performing teams; however, teams of people who think the same way also have the same blind spots and do not interrogate their own processes. Or, as Pawel Motyl puts it: “the price of that harmony is poorer decisions.” Next time you assemble a team or recruit a new hire, find people who don’t think like you