Which role counterbalances the zeal of the champion by challenging the concept and providing a reality test against established criteria?

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

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested here is balancing enthusiasm for a change with a reality check that tests whether proposed changes meet established criteria. The role that does this is the critic: they actively challenge the concept, ask tough questions, and verify feasibility, ROI, risks, and alignment with strategy. This counterbalance helps prevent rushed or flawed decisions by ensuring there’s solid evidence and governance behind the change. Without this reality test, the champion’s zeal can lead to over-optimism or overlooking important constraints. The inventor focuses on new ideas, the sponsor provides resources and backing, and the champion pushes the change forward. None of these roles inherently performs the ongoing reality testing the critic provides.