Which role challenges the zeal of the champion and acts as a counterbalance to prevent poor ideas from moving forward?

• A. Critic
• B. Inventor
• C. Sponsor
• D. Champion

Answer: (A)

Balancing enthusiasm with rigorous evaluation is tested here. The critic role exists to temper the champion’s zeal by actively questioning assumptions, probing for evidence, and highlighting risks, costs, and feasibility concerns. This constructive challenge ensures ideas are vetted through data, a solid business case, and a clear plan before they move forward, helping prevent pursuing or funding flawed concepts.

The other roles serve different purposes: the inventor focuses on generating ideas, the sponsor provides resources and organizational backing, and the champion drives the initiative forward with momentum. None of these are primarily about providing the deliberate check on enthusiasm that the critic offers.