The devil doesn't need an advocate, he's doing pretty well as it is. Brave people need supporters.
How many times have you seen this? A mid level manager who believes it is his or her right to poke holes at all the unworkable elements in every improvement proposal that comes their way?
As a consultant I see it a lot, although generally it is more aimed at internal staff than at me.
Sad to watch. Brave people who have put themselves out there trying to make a difference, and instead of praise and support they get their idea torn down, and there is absolutely no consideration of its potential value or merit.
It is a shame because it is soul destroying for them, and potentially stupid for the company. I have seen people with ideas that are brilliant - both industry changing and world changing.
I was there when the guy came up with the idea of a strip that lit up when street lights fell below a predetermined level of brilliance, and also when the idea of using LED's instead of filament globes for Haul truck indicators.
Both were Velcro moments, things that would change the way that industries operate...both were supported by managers with vision.
But the guy who was criticized instead of supported, even if it was only to guide him... do you think he will ever volunteer any of his ideas again?
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