I was lamenting the confusing interface to a piece of software the other day, when a colleague said it sounded a bit like 'grousing' because I wasn't able to suggest any improvements. I capitulated, admitting I wasn't close enough to the problem to offer any useful feedback at the time.

Later, though, I was thinking about the exchange, and began to put it in perspective, especially regarding a recent post about the truth being filtered as it made its way up the company hierarchy.

It's a commonly accepted (but mostly unspoken) 'rule' for aspiring employees: "Don't point out a problem unless you can offer a solution." While this may be a good idea in theory, when put into wide practice this has a chilling effect.

In order to avoid being labeled a complainer, one must refrain from sounding the alarm without a fire extinguisher on hand. It's like not being allowed to tell the emperor he's naked if you don't have a new wardrobe to give him.

I think this is wrong. I think it's better to consider the argument on the merits, and decide what (if anything) is to be done about it. It's also better to remain open to hearing 'bad news' rather than to dismiss (or discount) it because no solution is offered at the time it is being aired.