Peter Weaver doesn’t like to follow the crowd.

He thinks groupthink is a common problem in many organizations.

We all think the alike...

This former director of marketing for a consumer products company believes differences of opinion should be heard and appreciated. 

I speak my mind and share my ideas!

As Weaver states, “I have always believed I should speak for what I believe to be true.”

He demonstrated his belief in being direct and candid throughout his career. 

On one occasion, he was assigned to market San Marzano’s spaghetti-sauce products. 

During the brand review, the company president said, “Our spaghetti sauce is losing out to price-cutting competitors. We need to cut our prices!”

Peter found the courage to say he disagreed with the president. 

You're wrong...

He then explained the product line needed more variety and a larger advertising budget. Prices should not be cut. The president accepted Weaver’s reasoning.

Later, his supervisor approached him and said, “I wanted to say that, but I just didn’t have the courage to challenge the president.”

On another occasion, the president sent Weaver and 16 other executives to a weeklong seminar on strategic planning. 

Weaver soon concluded the consultants were off base and going down the wrong path.