Beware - Strong “opinions” can risk misleading us

Whenever a dispute arises it seems to be human nature to blur the real facts.

Often this is because of self interest, opinion or lack of impartiality.

To take an entirely neutral position to disputes is difficult for some, consciously or subconsciously.

I recall being with Senior Managers discussing a situation regarding a colleague and concluding, very quickly, that it would be best to instigate a penalty.

I neither knew the individual or any facts but was asked for comment.

Based only on the tone of the comments I simply said “if you want to do the easy thing your solution fits the bill”.

I was asked what I meant and my approach was easy to explain.

Many opinions had been offered but I had not seen any clarity of thinking that suggested a crisis.

Certainly, opinion appeared to be strong but might be influenced by a rush of blood.

My first effort has always been to “turn not burn” where it was appropriate.

I received a great pause of silence until someone suggested I could not be expected to understand the wider picture.

I agreed, adding that it did not change the fact that i had not heard a balanced discussion that the group could rely on making a fair conclusion.

It reinforced for me that judging others carries a weighty responsibility but is often a lottery of those who judge.

The outcome of a wise Managing Director was “Right Derek, look at it in detail and produce all the facts that can be agreed. We will then look at it again”.

To say that stopped an injustice is to understate what became clear.

It does NOT matter what we think or what rumour says.

We ALL have a responsibility to be sure of what can be proven.

Would we expect anything less for ourselves?

Too many people have a “Judge and Jury” mentality without considering all sides of the issue.

It’s like relying on poor eyesight, foresight and Insight.

The day someone is denied the opportunity to speak or challenge assumptions is the day we can ALL hang our heads in shame.

Be firm by all means but keep asking if you are being fair.

Get them both in place and you increase your value and respect