Abilene paradox

[ciphergoth]

Just randomly found this on Wikipedia: Abilene paradox - the possibility that a group decision will be made for X even though every single person in the group would prefer Y. This is a familiar situation to me, and I'm sure that's usual. It can be hard to express a preference weakly - you say "I'd slightly prefer not to get starters", and no matter how many caveats I put on that, it's rare that anyone is prepared to say "well, I really like their spring rolls so I would like to get starters if everyone else is OK".

On the other hand, it's kind of a good problem to have - I'd rather these problems than have everyone fighting to put their own needs ahead of everyone else's...

Comments

[seph-hazard.livejournal.com]

Yes, exactly! Our social circle is a perfect example of what happens when you get several dozen nice, sweet, caring people, each with their own set of psychological foibles, and put them in a position where they're all trying to look after each other while having as much fun as is humanly possible.

[reddragdiva]

See, this is where I bring my superpowers of arrogance and cluelessness to good use.