The Devil's Advocate
But What If?
Groupthink is your enemy. You believe every idea needs to be stress-tested. You often find yourself arguing against positions you actually hold, just to make sure the other side has done their homework.
Core Strengths
Where your natural cognitive patterns excel.
Critical Analysis
You see the holes in the plan.
Independent Thought
You never just go along.
Idea Strengthening
Ideas that survive you are stronger.
Growth Curve
Opportunities to expand your thinking.
Constructive Support
It's easy to tear down ideas. It's harder, but sometimes more valuable, to help build them up.
Action Plan
- Try a 'yes, and' approach instead of 'but...'
- Commit to supporting a decision once it's made
- Use your critical skills to solve problems, not just find them
Reading Emotions
Logic doesn't override feelings. People attach their ego to their ideas. Tread carefully.
Action Plan
- Acknowledge the effort behind an idea before critiquing it
- Watch for defensive body language
- Frame challenges as 'us vs. the problem', not 'me vs. you'
Choosing Battles
Not every statement needs a counter-argument. Save your energy for the big stuff.
Action Plan
- Ask 'Is this a hill I want to die on?'
- Let 80% of things go
- Practice silence in one meeting a week
Optimal Environments
Roles where your cognitive style thrives.
Lawyer
Paid to argue.
Risk Assessment
Finding what could go wrong.
Philosophy
Questioning existence.
Archetype Examples
Socrates
The original gadfly.
Christopher Hitchens
Master debater.
Discovery Continues
Now that you understand your archetype, explore our other tools to refine your decision-making.