Mike

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.

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

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)