I’m an op-ed writer and one would think that I come up with my opinions and then spread them, adjusting based on feedback. As the saying goes, “my opinions change with new information.”
However, that’s only part of it. Before I have my opinion, I get others.
The problem with having your own opinion first and bringing it to your editor (your boss, your manager, your teacher) is that once you open it to them, it stays between you two; sharing it with others becomes the act of a traitor.
Your opinion becomes a treasure piece between you and the person toward the top of the hierarchy. Or in other cases, it becomes a piece that must be critiqued, but not by someone below their level of expertise.
When you have an idea, an opinion, or a thought for improvement, share it with as many people on your own level (or one close to it). By skipping this step, you turn your work into a commodity when it should be priceless yet free. When you skip sharing your opinion with others: your friends, your family, your coworkers, then you miss out on one of the most important aspects of having the opinion in the first place – they are the ones you are trying to reach/help/connect/improve. You’re not going to be picked by the editor, your boss, or the CEO, however, nor should you attempt to pick yourself for them. Get chosen by the millions of people around you, and trust me, if you’re opinion resonates enough, your boss will call you forward and you will know that you picked yourself for the sake of others, not for the sake of being called forward.
Stay Positive & Oddly Enough Opinions Emerge From Cooperation
Garth E. Beyer
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