It May Be Time For An Opinion Check-in
Power walking and podcasting last week led me to an interesting thought. One that made me wonder how it applied to the way we operate at work.
First off, I misheard what the person on the podcast said. My mind latched onto the statement and I thought, "Huh, that’s interesting."
Here’s what I heard: Strong opinions, weekly held.
Stay with me, that’s not a typo. I heard, "Strong opinions, weekly held."
So (I’m thinking), "that’s interesting. When we have a strong opinion, then weekly we should be checking in on it and making sure that opinion is still valid." There was something to this weekly thing that made sense.
Where did I have strong opinions about things that just get left for permanent? Where there is no regular check-in or rethinking to make sure this opinion of mine is still valid?
Weekly – or I was guessing the person meant consistently – we should be reevaluating where we stand on the things we have strong thoughts about.
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Of course, in our current politicalness, this makes sense. We’re being challenged to check in on the things we feel strongly about: Is there new information that may shift your opinion? Is there a fresh perspective that sheds new light?
Maybe, maybe not. But the idea of doing a regular check-in on our opinions sure makes sense.
Fast forward another 3 or 4 minutes in the podcast and I realize I had misheard. The host didn’t say "weekly," he said "weakly."
Strong opinions, weakly held. Ahhh, that too makes sense.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MANAGERS
Consider this a call to audit your strong opinions.
What about your workplace, your job, your boss, your co-workers/clients/projects do you have strong opinions about? Is now a good time to check in on them and reevaluate if they still hold true?.
And, friend, use the word ‘opinion’ loosely. This may mean - what strong dislike do you have that might be getting in the way of doing great work? What strong wall have you put up between you and someone you work with? What strong habit do you have that isn’t working in your favor? What strong hurt are you holding onto from something your boss said or did? What strong stance are you taking that may be limiting communication and collaboration? What strong grasp might you have on a story that's long over?
Weekly – consistently – do a check-in on the things you feel most strongly about. Are they still true and valid and helpful to your life?
(added bonus: ask these same things with regard to your personal life)
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About The Author
For the past two decades, Cecilia Gorman has helped advertising agencies and other creatively-minded companies fix costly communication and productivity issues by teaching managers how to become better connectors, motivators, and leaders. Cecilia is the author of Always Believe In Better, creator of the digital learning course for managers—Manager Boot Camp, and co-founder of the global training and support community for working women—Empowership. For media inquiries or to learn more about hiring Cecilia to speak at your organization click below.
