Career Advice - Use Skepticism As a Positive Force

Skepticism has gotten a bum rap in the knowledge of career coaching.

The fact is that skepticism is a positive force that successful managers apply regularly to achieve their career goals.

As individuals, those with real-world savvy to accept a few things at face value, while organizations tend to accept without question the decision by the system, especially if they are based on reams of computer printouts.

There are six common sense rules that lead to careerists in the artful application of skepticism.

1 Do not be a knee jerk skeptic. To establish a basis in fact before expressing skepticism, and not act on gut reactions.

2 Double-check all the facts and assumptions, especially those with "As we all know ..."

3 Use skepticism only when the outcome of the issue is really important.

4 Be tactful and constructive when expressing doubts. Terms of Use, such as: "I wonder if you think about ...?"
"Have you considered ...?" What will happen if ...?"

5 Turn skeptic radar when the presentation is loaded with sweeping generalities. Remember, there are no sure bets,. Do not get without the risk of

6 Be skeptical of skepticism. This recommendation is John Barefoot, a psychologist at Duke University Medical Center, who is an authority on the subject of skepticism.

While Dr. Barefoot believes a healthy level of suspicion is necessary to survive and grow, he advises that one must suspect this attitude, if there is a constant in all matters.

Skepticism can be uncomfortable role of the

role of the skeptic is not easy. It is often uncomfortable and dangerous. "Group think" is hard to resist. Too often the call for team play means suspension of healthy suspicion.

No one is comfortable and happy to take the heat no doubt steamrollers who come are going through a meeting if all the "facts" and "conclusions" are projected on the screen in dazzling slides and prints, enclosed in a handy three-ring binders, brings about the further the study.

To paraphrase a popular adage, "To the question of presentation, when the majority is to be applauded proverbial bastard at a family reunion ."

Skepticism beats blind faith

However, common sense says that you get further along the career path with a healthy dose of skepticism, you will be with a blind faith in what he says and makes the organization.

Bertrand Russell, the eminent British mathematician and philosopher, this is to say about the place of skepticism in your career success:

"For my part, I should wish to preach to doubt what he wanted ... I will believe it, but want to know what is the exact opposite. In all matters, which is a healthy thing now and then, hang a question mark on all the things we take for granted ."

If you are skittish about using skepticism as a tool to accelerate your journey to career path, start the test. For the next 60 days to look at those who you respect for their prowess in mastering the dynamics of life in organizations. See how many times they act as a skeptic, and how to do it.

If you work for skepticism is that successful managers what they think will not help you reach your career goals?