Avoiding vulnerability is a common groupthink response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and groupthink opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Groupthink
- Concealing groupthink from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when groupthink is high is enormous
- Shame about groupthink thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of groupthink often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Groupthink
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in groupthink) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and groupthink. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Groupthink
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.