I have found that this can be a dangerous gamble on the part of the cynic. Often the cynic's argument can't even withstand a single clarifying question. The fir

I have found that this can be a dangerous gamble on the part of the cynic. Often the cynic's argument can't even withstand a single clarifying question. The first person to ask "can you explain in detail why this won't work?" can often elevate themselves above the level of the cynic, sometimes humiliating the cynic in the process. I have experienced this from both perspectives and as a bystander. Today I try as much as I can to be the problem-solver instead of the cynic. I try to do it in a way that gives the cynic a way to save face, though - it's almost never a good strategy to humiliate a team member.