Working with a group of others to produce or create something as part of a common goal can be a very powerful way to achieve high-quality results efficiently.

There is a danger this cooperation might result in individuals setting aside their own personal beliefs or adopt the opinion of the rest of the group (i.e., groupthink).

Individual and Group

Collaboration is most effective when the participants do not lose their own identities within that of the group.  Being able to carefully balance the power of the whole with the diversity of the many is a key feature of high performing groups.

This task, incorporating the skills and abilities of individuals into a cohesive whole without loosing what everyone brings to the table but adhering to the needs of the group, is extremely difficult but also rewarding.

Dysfunctional

The practice of Independent thinking within a team or similar organizational construct without becoming advisarial requires all stakeholders to seek value from each other.

This does not mean to forgoe your independence to avoid conflict, which can lead to dysfunctional behavior and irrational compromises.

We are many but we are also One

Combining the best ideas or morphing disparate ideas to something greater and more effective requires only a strong believe that everyone is important and adds value.

If all members of the group practice this value. without deciet or prejudice everyone benefits and no one needs to sacrifice thier core beliefs to do it.

Avoiding group think starts with individuals seeking  the best solution without compromising their own identity.