I’m both – as each situation dictates which ‘guy’ will be more valuable NOW.

Even in pioneering a new approach for my company, there’s times when it’s easy to see why both would be welcome at the table simultaneously.

However, without having the Devil there for final inspection, I’m not sure I’d be comfortable. Being customer/client conscious is one thing – making it work forces real world thinking, which in my experience, doesn’t always come with the Angel package.

I’m not sure I can agree with you. I think you’re taking issue with the word angel. If an angel is a guardian looking out for the business AND the customer. An angel works toward finding the solution that mitigates risk rather than leaving the problem sitting certainly one solution would be to say this is a “no go.”

If that’s true – they’re the same person with a split personality. Either way, it works.

Nah, One is me the other is you.

Uncle!

Hi Liz (nice new design )

In our two-man/woman-band business one is the Devil’s advocate, one is the Guardian Angel. One coming up with new ideas to push the business forward further, one questioning new ideas and mostly seeing loads of ‘bears’ on the road forward.
Together we find the best combination. So, both are needed

Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)

Hi Jeff!
It’s about time that you recognize me as a member of the family!

Hi Karin!
That’s a great description of how the two might work together. Though I think that every person might have a definition of their own.

[...] Are You a Guardian Angel OR a Devil’s Advocate? [...]

Hi Liz,

First comment for me over here. I like the new place; you look like you are thinking some incredibly important thoughts! I think the key differentiator is your notion that the devil’s advocate “puts the onus for the thinking on those answering the questions”. Those people can be marginally useful at the tail end of the process, but they quickly alienate themselves from the rest of the team.

Instead of someone who just says “that stinks”, I’d much rather have someone who says “Have you thought about the potentially malodorous consequences of that? What if we did X instead? How do you think that would work?”

Mike

Hi Mike!
Sorry it took a while to get back . . .

Most “devil’s advocates” that I know do just as you said — look for the holes without trying to fill them. Their role becomes “approver” rather than “partner.” Though, as Jeff said, a great advocate for the devil wouldn’t do that. I find most aren’t that good.

Not a problem, my friend! Advocates for the devil are always up to mischief. Guardian angels are interested in virtuous cycles!

Mike

Hi Mike!
Ironically, I was at a meeting where I was talking about how people think I’m more of a saint than I am.

Wow, how ironic that I think that, too!

That’s so funny!