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.

The program includes additional exercises for a flexible design to help viewers learn:

• The five psychological principles of the Abilene Paradox
• How to avoid false consensus
• How to overcome the fear of speaking out
• Effective decision-making within a group