The difference between being the Devil’s Advocate and the Innately Negative person.

All of us have encountered the individual who always flows against a thought, wish or opinion on any given area of life. At times this is helpful because it introduces a pause and allows us the opportunity to rethink the why behind the position taken. Yet, there are those amongst us that can’t help being the opposite, antithesis, roadblock to all that you propose. Let’s separate the two and weed out the bad from the good.

A Devil’s Advocate (DA) on your team is essential to the health of your team. This doesn’t imply, however, that the person playing that role has to be destructive in the process. The benefit the DA brings to the team starts with the attitude that the person has towards the thought, wish or opinion of the surrounding culture. That is the attitude of betterment. It’s the intent that the DA would like to see the best come from the pursuit. Therefore, all interaction, although may at first seem counter to the energy of the team, is intended to clarify, sharpen and solidify the overall direction of the team. These team players are vastly different from negative people.

An innately negative person always is putting roadblocks up where everyone else is moving. When asked for a better option, none is offered. These people are characterized by giving every reason why something cannot be done. They rarely, if ever, offer alternatives that are helpful for the team. After your encounters with these people, you feel drained as if a vampire has sucked you dry.

Now you need to do something.

Distance yourself from the innately negative people around you. If they are an employee, put the wheels in motion to dismiss them. If they are a friend, neighbor or relative…do not spend time with them. Invest in people who are vested in you and your vision. Invest in employees who understand and believe in your vision. Let the innately negative person go their way and lend an ear to the DA’s in your life. Tweaking this area will greatly improve your overall health and energy in your business and personal life.