In Defense of Troublemakers: The Power of Dissent in Life and Business

An eminent psychologist explains why dissent should be cherished, not feared

We've decided by consensus that consensus is good. In In Defense of Troublemakers, psychologist Charlan Nemeth argues that this principle is completely wrong: left unchallenged, the majority opinion is often biased, unoriginal, or false. It leads planes and markets to crash, causes juries to convict innocent people, and can quite literally make people think blue is green. In the name of comity, we embrace stupidity. We can make better decisions by embracing dissent. Dissent forces us to question the status quo, consider more information, and engage in creative decision-making.

From Twelve Angry Men to Edward Snowden, lone objectors who make people question their assumptions bring groups far closer to truth -- regardless of whether they are right or wrong. Essential reading for anyone who works in groups, In Defense of Troublemakers will radically change the way you think, listen, and make decisions.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Basic Books
Published: 03/20/2018
ISBN: 9780465096299
Pages: 272
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.80w x 1.00d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2018
Library Journal 03/15/2018 pg. 102
Choice 09/01/2018