The Art Of Being A Naysayer

Posted on February 2nd, 2012

Not surprising, Tuesday’s Leadership Practice titled The Naysayer and our reference to the childhood story of The Emperor’s New Clothes, drew responses from experienced naysayers along with words of advice.
 
Being an effective naysayer is much more of an art, than a science. Few ideas are unquestioningly right, nor completely wrong. Most are somewhere in-between.
 
While the role of naysayers, by definition, is to express negative views, if they are always negative about every idea proposed, their value can be greatly reduced. Not every Emperor is without clothes. The experienced naysayer knows their credibility will be questioned if they can find no good, in any idea.
 
Experienced naysayers have learned to not only provide the negatives, but to also propose alternatives that can help make the idea work. Learn to suggest what clothes the Emperor should wear. Leaders are more likely to encourage and support naysayers who provide positive suggestions.
 
Experienced naysayers know there is a difference between being skeptical and cynical. It’s better to focus on the lack of clothes, than to embarrass the naked Emperor. Opposing an idea is different than opposing the leader.
 
In the extreme, a naysayer can become engaged in excessive complaining, negative comments, and a bad attitude. Ineffective naysayers can become actively disengaged people, working against the organization and its leadership. 
 
Effective naysayers are actively engaged and are committed to making their organizations and its leadership successful. 
 
Thanks to the effective naysayers for challenging our assumptions and providing the above advice.