The Hidden Cost of Consensus: What we miss when everyone agrees

Years ago, while working in a career-defining role alongside one of Africa's billionaires, he made a powerful statement that has stayed with me ever since: "I have no obligation to follow consensus because doing so doesn’t always yield the best results. Consensus is not always correct!"

At that moment, I was taken aback because everyone on the team believed we were making the best decision for the project. It turned out that our collective stance would have led to significant losses for the project.

Isn't it interesting how consensus can be misleading?

Why We Love Agreement (And Why It's Dangerous)

Let's be real – following the crowd feels safe. It's comfortable. When everyone nods along, we nod too. Especially, if these are people we respect and love. But here's the thing: the most dangerous agreements aren't the loud ones. They're the quiet assumptions we never question.

What I've Learned About Being Wrong Together

After a decade in African VC, I've watched millions of dollars walk away because people couldn't see past what "everyone knows."

I’ve seen investors pile into a business because the founder looked and sounded like them. I’ve seen ‘bad’ startups being rewarded because a familiar face in the investor network also invested in that business.

I’ve also heard statements like "Africa isn't ready." "That only works in the West." "The market's too small."

Meanwhile, founders who ignored these "facts" went on to build some amazing companies. They weren't succeeding despite Africa's problems – they won because they saw opportunities where others saw obstacles.

It's Not Just Business

This stuff follows us everywhere:

• That career move you didn't make because "that's not what people like us do"
• That idea you didn't share because "everyone would disagree"
• That project you didn't start because "that's not how things work here"

Every time we nod along without thinking, we leave something on the table. We deprive the world of our brilliance - our unique way of thinking.

How to Know When to Break Ranks

I understand not many people know how and when to go against the crowd. Interestingly, I am married to someone who loves to go against the norm consistently. One thing she has taught me is the power of questions.

Here's a framework that works:

1. Ask "Who started this?" Is it experience talking, or just echoes?
2. Look for blind spots. What is everyone missing?
3. Find the rebels. Who is winning by ignoring the rules?
4. Think about the risks. What is the actual cost of being wrong?

The Sweet Spot

I don’t think you should be constantly contrarian, this is just as bad as following every trend. The goal is to see things as they are, not as everyone says they should be.

Next time everyone's nodding along, pause. Ask yourself:

• What if we're all wrong?
• What proof do we actually have?
• What opportunity exists because everyone believes this?

The best opportunities hide in the gap between what everyone "knows" and what is actually true.

Sometimes the smartest thing you can say is: "What if everyone's wrong?"

Because trust me – we often are.

Written from experience watching consensus kill great opportunities and the joy of occasionally proving everyone wrong.

psssssssssssssst. Have you listened to the latest episode of The Grinders Table Podcast with Sabrine Chahrour ? She talks about motherhood, venturing into a new career, making mistakes and everything in between. Click here to catch the full conversation