Skeptics vs. Cynics: Know Which Are Toxic?

See if you recognize this scenario:

You have a great idea, and you’re pumped. It’s new, it’s different, possibly even ground-breaking. It’s such a radical idea that you know your colleagues will take some convincing. But deep inside you know it’s a great idea.

And, as expected, when you present the idea, there are some naysayers. Some push-back.

Sound familiar?

Now ask yourself this question: Are the people pushing back on the idea skeptics or cynics? It's an important distinction, because one group is useful while the other is toxic.

The Difference Between A Skeptic and a Cynic

Let’s define the terms. According to the Oxford Dictionary:

Skeptic: A person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions.

While I don’t think anyone is skeptical all of the time – especially of their own opinions – there are people who tend to question statements, opinions, and conclusions. I’m sure you know people like that.

Cynic: A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable reasons.

I like that definition, but here’s one from the Free Dictionary that goes more to the point:

Cynic: A person whose outlook is scornfully and often habitually negative.

Unfortunately, I’m sure you know a few people like that, too.

In business terms here’s the key difference between skeptics and cynics.

Skeptics can be extremely useful members of a team. They don't just accept ideas, proposals, opinions, or even “facts” as offered – they need to be convinced.

Skeptics like to look at data. They like to analyze. They like to assess. Skeptics like to weigh and measure and draw their own conclusions.

Skeptics don’t wear rose-colored glasses. Skeptics temper the enthusiasm – often in a good way – of the instantly enthusiastic and in the process often apply a level of analysis and rigor that transforms a good idea into a great idea — and just as important, help recognize bad ideas.

Cynics, on the other hand, are toxic. At a fundamental level they don’t believe in goodness. Cynics don’t believe in the capability of other people to overcome, to rise up, and to achieve. They don’t believe in new ideas because, at heart, they don’t believe in people (including themselves.)

In short, cynics poison a team – and the people on that team.

Here are a few ways to tell the difference between a skeptic and a cynic:

· Skeptics look for holes in your idea because they want to help you plug those holes. Cynics look for holes so they can make them bigger and sink your idea.

· Skeptics ask questions to try to make your idea better. Cynics ask questions to try to make you look stupid or incompetent.

· Skeptics say, “I’m not sure if you have enough data to support that… lets do some digging and figure it out.” Cynics say, “You don’t have enough data to support that. You’ll have to prove to me that you’re right.” (And you never can.)

· Skeptics have the “meeting after the meeting” to find ways to get past their doubts so they can jump onboard. Cynics have the “meeting after the meeting” to tear down the idea so no one is onboard.

· Skeptics are people you go to when you’re unsure because you know they’ll help you refine your thoughts and give you ideas to help you better build your case. Cynics are people you never go to – for anything.

Every team needs at least one skeptic. Every team needs at least one person willing to ask questions, identify potential problems, and point out when more analysis is necessary.

Every team needs at least one person they can look back on and say, “You know, at the time it was frustrating when Michelle kept pointing out stuff we hadn’t thought of… but now I’m really glad she did.”

No team needs a cynic. No team needs a person who always says no… not because they don’t believe in ideas but because they don’t believe in people.

Embrace the skeptics. They can make your business better. Toss out the cynics, because they don't further your cause.