At sipgate we sometimes are too nice to each other. That might sound like a luxurious “problem” if you’ve have to weather a tough company climate, but it can indeed be a problem. As in, we don’t shoot down ideas that aren’t that well thought out. Or we proceed with projects that only one person is really excited about and all others think “Meh” quietly to themselves.
What has really helped us to challenge and improve ideas is a technique called “Ritual Dissent”. It works like this:
One person pitches their idea to the others. Then the pitcher turns around, so that their back is to the group. The others then have to point out weaknesses and flaws in the concept (dissent) or can suggest alternatives (assent). They are not allowed to say anything positive!
Of course, the dissent should be something the pitcher can work with. “This is the worst concept I’ve seen today” fulfils the rule of “not positive” but the pitcher can’t use it at all. It’s bad how? In what aspect? Only speak if the pitcher can use your feedback to improve instead of slumping their shoulders in defeat.
The great thing about Ritual Dissent is that it a) absolves feedback givers from having to find positive aspects for a “sandwich feedback” and b) it gives you permission to criticize. It’s what we want here! You’re not a nagging nay-sayer if you point out flaws!
Usually you do Ritual Dissent when several people will present there respective ideas. One person pitches. The others dissent. Next person pitches.
It’s less personal if you know that after you it will be another one’s turn. This is also the official reason why the pitcher turns their back to the group, i.e. that it will feel less personal. My hypothesis is that as the pitcher you have to just absorb the feedback and aren’t tempted to argue your case. And as the dissenter it’s easier to say hard things because you don’t have to see the pitcher’s face twitch when you point out that their “baby” has three legs and no arms.
I find this to be a very valuable technique to improve ideas, concepts and designs in an environment reluctant to voice harsh criticism. Have you tried it?