Abilene Paradox

Leaders must make it safe for people to speak up if they think the team is headed in the wrong direction. This all-time bestseller drives home a powerful message about the importance of getting everyone's honest opinion.

How often has fear led you to say "yes" to a group endeavor when "no" was your true response? It's a common dilemma, and the real reason many efforts go bad.

Travel the road to Abilene and you'll arrive at a place where deeply held, logical values fall victim to group dynamics. It's a bumpy ride culminating in meaningless outcomes and blame, but you can skip the trip if you know how to read the road signs.

In this age of corporate scandals and lack of accountability, or for even the best of organizations, this parable by Dr. Jerry B. Harvey about a needless family trip to Abilene offers a compelling lesson for groups: Make sure you've received everyone's honest input on the action you're about to take.

People will often "go along to get along" if they have any doubt at all about what will happen if they present opposition. Leaders must create a workplace where people are free to disagree and are encouraged to voice their true opinions.

This best-selling, classic training program has helped thousands of organizations increase profits and productivity by helping teams make better group decisions.

Viewers will be introduced to a series of circumstances where individuals are swayed beyond their intent, leading their groups to meaningless outcomes and blame. It's a timeless lesson on reading the road signs and knowing when you're heading to "Abilene", where our deeply held, logical values can be lost in group situations. This classic has been completely updated with a fresh new look and a faster, more engaging pace. This humorous parable helps you overcome anxieties and avoid false consensus.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Understand action anxiety - fear of action creates negative fantasies about we believe needs to be done
Learn about Negative Fantasies - an ideal excuse for not taking responsible action
Overcome Fear of Separation - speaking out may label one a "non-team player"
Reversal of risk and certainty - the real risk is in not taking action

INCLUDES

VHS or DVD with Second Edition and First Edition of The Abilene Paradox
Leader’s Guide
PowerPoint presentation on CD-ROM
10 Participant Workbooks
10 Reminder Cards
10 “skip-the-trip” post-it notepads, poster

Produced by CRM Learning

Running Time: 26 minutes
Closed-Captioned
Copyright Date:

Style

Dramatic Presentation

Uses

Leadership and Management
Teams and Teambuilding