Based upon my business marketing, utilizing networking as a major tool, it might seem strange to hear that I’m truly an introvert. I’m not one to readily start a conversation and must work hard to carry on a conversation when meeting with people. However, asked me my opinion on almost any subject and without hesitation I can become very talkative. I have never really know why I become more relaxed in conversation when I’m giving my opinion other than I assume it is
comforting to know that someone wants to know what I think. Another thought is that my opinion is just that, my opinion, it is neither right or wrong, it is just one man’s opinion.
I do see a problem with opinions, however; not with me giving my opinion but with those who are listening. Sometimes people who are listening to my opinion try to interject their own views (opinions) while I’m still in the process of divulging mine. It makes me feel that the only reason I was asked about my opinion was so that the person listening would have an opportunity to tell theirs. I question whether they are even listening to what I’m saying and wonder if they are only thinking about what they want to say.
Another concern I have with opinions is political correctness. I find that opinions are not always politically correct as opinions are a display of our innermost feelings. Comments taken out of contexts can be very damaging to a person’s personal life or professional career. While I have a concern with political correctness I don’t believe that people should have to buffer their views because of concerns that those opinions might hurt someone. There will always be someone who is offended by an opinion so why should a person bother to filter their comments.
My last concern with opinions is that they are sometime delivered with such authority that they appear to be fact rather than opinion. This seems to be more the case when listening to people who hold powerful positions such as politicians,
company executives and even our parents. I’m sure that the term, consider the source, came about from such delivery of opinions.
Well, that’s it for my blog today. If you come away with anything from reading it I hope that it will be to consider the source and remember whether right or wrong it is just one man’s opinion.
