Tag: status quo

Are you a naysayer?

Are you “one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something?”

I suppose there are times to be skeptical or cynical, but when someone presents an idea that they are passionate about and that they’ve put a lot of work into, does it really help to be skeptical in front of the whole group?  You may want more substantiating data.  You may want a more logical argument for their point.  Or you may want to see proof that their concept will work.  But being skeptical just means that you don’t believe it, which means that you don’t have proof to substantiate your position either. 

Naysayers usually don’t have any better ideas, they just want to tear down anything new or different.  They are defenders of the status quo. 

So the best way to minimize the effects of the naysayers is to call them on it.  Ask them why they are against progress or innovation or new ideas?  No one wants to be seen as a fuddy-duddy, unimaginative or old-fashioned.

Then, if they are not key decision makers, ignore them, go around them.  Make your ideas happen in spite of skeptisism. 

It can be lonely out on the cutting edge, but that’s why it’s cutting, no one wants to be out there.  It is difficult to break the status quo.

So don’t be a naysayer.  You’re holding up progress for everyone, and reducing the number of  people who might have had the next big idea, if it weren’t for you.