Is the Devil in Your Strategy? Spot the Mistakes Before They Cost You
Here are 3 Reasons It Should Be
No need to do a séance or get hold of a Ouija board. I’m talking about incorporating a devil’s advocate into your strategy sessions, or really any forum where you are discussing options. A Devil’s Advocate (let’s call it a DA for short, no affiliation intended South African readers) can help ensure ideas are critically assessed and refined. This practice sharpens decision-making, strengthens team dynamics, and promotes a culture of constructive criticism. Here’s how to do it right.
The Downside of Avoiding Critical Feedback
Failing to challenge ideas thoroughly can lead to blind spots in strategy, costing time, money, and reputation. A classic example is Blockbuster’s missed opportunity to adapt to the streaming trend—a decision criticized for its lack of robust internal debate.
Blockbuster had multiple chances to pivot but dismissed disruptive ideas due to internal consensus bias. According to Alan Payne, a former franchise owner, “The leadership was unwilling to admit that their business model needed an overhaul.” This inability to critique ideas stifled innovation, ultimately leading to the company’s demise.
Why we avoid giving our honest views & questioning ideas.
A significant issue underlying this problem is human behaviour itself. We’re full of old wiring which kept our ancestors alive but isn’t really well suited to modern business.
Many people are naturally hesitant, read terrified, to challenge the group. They don’t want to stand out from the herd or risk ridicule or censure (or uit kak, for those Saffers who might be annoyed from earlier). I believe this tendency stems from that awful place where many of our behavioural tendencies were formed. School.
I’ve sure you remember; We all wanted the teacher to say, “Yes,” when they chose us, and we gave the right answer. If we weren’t absolutely sure then we actively worked to avoid the “No”. How? “If I don’t make eye contact, she won’t pick me,” was the thought process which you still see in management and strategy sessions. Making mistakes in school could lead to punishment, embarrassment, or a lower grade, so we learned to only risk answering if we were 110% sure we were right and even then sometimes it wasn’t worth the risk if we’d been wrong a few times. We received twelve years of training in how not to risk being wrong.
Over time, this fear of being “wrong” creates a reluctance to voice dissent or point out flaws. These behavioural patterns follow us into the business world. Without addressing this dynamic, teams risk falling into a dangerous pattern of “groupthink,” where harmony is prioritized over effective critique. Take it to extreme levels and you get Blockbuster’s implosion.
This article introduces a solution: assigning a devil’s advocate to rigorously test ideas, fostering accountability and a culture that embraces constructive disagreement.
What Does the Devil’s Advocate Do?
The devil’s advocate’s primary role is to challenge ideas and assumptions to ensure they are thoroughly tested. Simply put, the DA takes the opposite view in a discussion, regardless of their personal views on the topic. This involves asking tough questions, identifying potential flaws, and presenting alternative perspectives to those presented.
Importantly, the devil’s advocate should maintain a constructive tone, aiming to improve the strategy rather than dismiss it outright. They must remain objective, avoiding personal biases or opinions that could skew their critique. Their goal is to create a balanced dialogue that strengthens the team’s decision-making process.
How to Use a Devil’s Advocate Effectively
1. Rotate the Role Regularly
Assigning the same person as the devil’s advocate can create imbalance or resentment both from them and from the team towards them. Instead, rotate the role among team members, ensuring everyone has a chance to critique and be critiqued. This approach broadens perspectives and prevents one individual from becoming “the pessimist.”
- Do: Clearly define the devil’s advocate role as constructive, not combative. Have some guidelines on what is appropriate, and what is not. Part of it should always be to question the leader.
- Don’t: Assign the role permanently to avoid bias or burnout. Rotate it per meeting, or per project, or for a fixed time like a month.
2. Focus on Ideas, Not People
A devil’s advocate critiques concepts, not individuals. By separating the idea from its presenter, teams can avoid personal conflicts and concentrate on improving strategies.
- Do: Reinforce the value of diverse perspectives by creating a safe space for criticism.
- Don’t: Allow discussions to devolve into personal attacks or dismissive behaviour.
3. Set Rules for Productive Debate
Effective critiques require structure. Establish guidelines such as time limits, evidence-based arguments, and respect for all opinions to maintain focus and efficiency.
- Do: Encourage fact-based critiques supported by data or examples. Some coaching many be needed
- Don’t: Allow the devil’s advocate role to derail meetings with endless debates, but also don’t allow them to softball their effort.
Benefits Beyond Better Strategies
Beyond refining ideas, incorporating a devil’s advocate can strengthen your team’s overall dynamics:
- Improved Feedback Culture
Regular critique builds resilience to criticism, helping individuals become less defensive and more receptive to diverse viewpoints. Over time, this fosters a growth-oriented mindset across the team. - Enhanced Decision-Making
By addressing potential weaknesses early, teams can anticipate challenges and plan proactively, reducing risks and enhancing outcomes. - Stronger Collaboration
Critiquing ideas collaboratively teaches team members to appreciate different perspectives, boosting creativity and inclusivity.
Closing Thoughts
Challenging ideas through a devil’s advocate strengthens strategies and shapes a culture of constructive criticism. This rotational practice ensures every team member contributes to and learns from the process.