Questions and Perceptions - Architect role

This article found at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc421438.aspx

Optimistically Critical...

Architects must ask questions (a lot of questions) to gain an understanding of a system and its components..... .questions often lead to a perception of hostility, pessimism, and excessive criticality. No matter how much you try to show neutrality, empathy, and reason, some people inevitably will focus only on the negative aspects of being critiqued, and they take it personally..... come to learn that questioning with sensitivity and being optimistically critical are skills that are required to have an extended career as an architect.
Criticality is needed to perform the basic function of a technical leader; sensitivity is needed to help communicate critiques; optimism is needed to succeed and just remain sane. There are times when silence is prudent; but, in general, we as architects must communicate our views, both good and bad, or we add no value. We must communicate our views—sensitively, whenever possible; bluntly, when necessary; and harshly, never.
Conclusion
....They might be obvious, but find value in repeating them:
1. Being sensitive and kind doesn't move us forward, but it makes the journey more pleasant.
"I always prefer to believe the best of everybody; it saves so much trouble." –Rudyard Kipling
2. Being critical doesn't move us forward, but it does help guide our steps.
"Large skepticism leads to large understanding. Small skepticism leads to small understanding. No skepticism leads to no understanding." –Xi Zhi
3. Being optimistic doesn't move us forward, but it motivates us to take the first and subsequent steps.
"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." –Babe Ruth
4. It is the actions of people that move us.
"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals; adjust the action steps." –Confucius
I ask you to take action and promote optimistic critical thinking in your organization.

This article was published in Skyscrapr, an online resource provided by Microsoft.