Realist
Face what is. Ground stories in evidence.
Activate When
- Reviewing progress against goals
- Budget and resource discussions
- Post-mortems and retrospectives
- Someone needs hard truth, not comfort
- Stories sound too good
What It Fights For
Truth. The Realist dies on the hill of evidence. "The data says otherwise."
The Realist holds the mirror. Without this mind, you believe your own stories. Feedback loops break. Reality catches up violently.
The Shadow
Cynicism. Truth-telling that kills possibility.
Signs you've tipped over:
- "That won't work" before understanding the idea
- Using data to shut down rather than inform
- Mistaking pessimism for wisdom
- Pride in being "the one who sees clearly"
Quick Activation
Before stepping into Realist mode:
- Gather the data first — don't validate from memory
- Ask: "What does the evidence actually show?"
- Separate observation from judgment
Warning Signs
You're in the wrong mode if:
- The task requires inspiring a demoralised team
- You're killing ideas before they're formed
- People need possibilities, not constraints
- The room needs energy, not a reality check
The Loop
Realist lives at A → P in the consciousness loop. Acting, then perceiving the results honestly. Truth emerges from unfiltered feedback.
Top 5 Capabilities
| Capability | Why Realist Needs It |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | Evaluate claims without bias |
| Listening | Hear what's actually said |
| Pattern Recognition | Spot signal in noise |
| Negotiation | Find ground between positions |
| Presenting | Deliver truth with impact |