Groupthink — when a team reaches a quick agreement on a solution with little discussion or deliberation — is one of the surest ways to stifle innovation. How can you help your team steer clear of this trap and keep fresh ideas alive? First, it’s imperative that everyone knows it’s OK, and even encouraged, to challenge the status quo. People have a tendency to believe that existing solutions must be good. But when one person expresses discomfort or skepticism, it opens the door for others to do the same. So give your team members early opportunities to reveal how they really view the problem at hand. Next, adopt a placeholder solution. This doesn’t have to be a final answer. It simply has to function as a transitional placeholder. Knowing that there’s a backup plan will relieve some of the pressure people feel to sell their idea. Finally, celebrate any progress toward final agreement. Part of the reason that groupthink occurs is that it feels good to agree. Rather than rushing the process though, highlight moments of progress in the discussion. This will build morale and momentum and will help your employees feel better about working toward a creative, outside-the-box solution.