You’re exactly right. Contrarians, negative scanners, etc…, are an integral part of a team because of their ability to find holes. Of course, a manager needs to know how to utilize this type of person in a positive manner or they can really dampen the morale of a team.

How do you get a contrarian to buy into an architecture? First, you’ve got to listen to them. Really listen without trying to change their opinion. If they say something can’t be done then you’ve got to show them how it can be done, and if you can’t then maybe you’ve found a hole. Then you’ve got to make them a part of every decision. It may take longer to get to the final architecture, but when you get there you will know it is solid, and you will know that the contrarian will do a good job implementing the design because they will believe in it.

-Brad