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Devil's advocate question

As explained in Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure

A devil's advocate question constructively challenges a person’s stated belief by asking them to examine an opposing possibility.

A devil’s advocate question constructively tests a stated belief by asking someone to consider an opposing position. In a listening tour, it can open up exploration of priorities rather than leave an assumption unexamined. section 4.3.3

Testing a modernization priority

If someone says investment in new products is key, ask: “Are you 100% convinced that reducing operating costs is the wrong focus, and nothing would change your mind?” section 4.3.3

Deliver the question skillfully. Make clear that the aim is exploration, not a direct challenge or an insult. section 4.3.3

How Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure covers it

How deep it goes
Defines the question through one example and a delivery caution, without a step-by-step method.
Examples
Contrasts investment in new products with reducing operating costs as a modernization priority.
What you can do after
Practice/perform constructive challenges that invite exploration without sounding insulting.
How it connects
Connects to listening tours, question formats, questionnaires, surveys, and workshops.
Cover of Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure
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This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.