---
id: "action-write-initial-reactions"
type: "action-item"
source_timestamps: ["§ Reaching True Agreement"]
tags: ["meeting-design", "decision-making"]
related: ["claim-writing-minimizes-groupthink", "framework-reaching-true-agreement"]
action: "Ask leaders to independently write down what they agree/disagree with before vocalizing opinions."
outcome: "Minimizes groupthink and surfaces genuine disagreements early in the process."
sources: ["governance"]
sourceVaultSlug: "hbr-seg-governance"
originDay: 7
articleStem: "hbr-cl-85-false-alignment-trap"
sourceUrl: "https://hbr.org/2026/07/the-false-alignment-trap"
sourceTitle: "The False Alignment Trap"
---
# Require Independent Written Reactions

**Action:** Ask leaders to independently **write down** what they clearly agree with, clearly disagree with, and feel unsure about — *before* vocalizing opinions.

**Outcome:** Minimizes groupthink and surfaces genuine disagreements early.

To provoke an early exchange of ideas without falling victim to the [[concept-false-consensus-effect|false consensus effect]] or social pressure, leaders articulate their initial position in writing. This independent writing process yields higher-quality, more honest information than a group discussion ([[claim-writing-minimizes-groupthink]]) and is Step 2 of the [[framework-reaching-true-agreement|five-step process]]. (Adjacent research: 'brainwriting' consistently outperforms verbal brainstorming by reducing evaluation apprehension.)