Having an Opinion

Conversations are a tennis match, not a game of golf. Unless you engage in the game, you will always lose. 

There is a fine line between a monologue and a dialogue; the grey area is often decided by the participants and the context. 

How do you see the world?

26%

The GDP could increase 26% by equally diversifying the workforce

15%

Gender-diverse companies are 15% more likely to see higher returns

2.3x

Inclusive companies get 2.3 times more cash flow per employee

1.7x

Inclusive companies are 1.7 times more likely to be innovative

Interpretive vs Rule-Based Frameworks

These frameworks are not extensive in the least, they simply aim to help categorize the world into two relatable halfs. Understand how you see things and give a name to the approach you take subconsciously. As you begin to practice, you will observe yourself relying on the same framework, time and time again.  

For some, these statistics contain disputed science. If you are one of those people, you are probably driven by a rule-based worldview, or, you've decided that an interpretive approach does not apply in this specific topic. It took you an instant to decide and was completely subconscious. However, as you face more and more unfamiliar topics, knowing your preferred frameworks will help you easily identify ways in which you can respond to questions and make comments. 

Interpretive frameworks rely on context. To maintain control of the conversation, it is important to convince the audience that your value deserves priority. 

Rule-based frameworks rely on an established system. To maintain control of the conversation, it is important to be the top subject matter expert. 

Let's practice...

Pretend you are at the watercooler and stumble into a conversation about the latest in medical research and technology. A colleague looks at you and says:

We should prioritize grants to clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) research. 

How could you respond?

We | Is this the right individual/group/company to perform the action?

Should | Should we? Can we? Are there consequences to requiring things of people?

Prioritize | What does it mean to prioritize something? Are there clearly outlined rules to follow or is it subjective?

Grants | Are grants the right avenue? Would loans be a more pragmatic solution?

CRISPR | What this specific technology? What are the unique benefits?

Download the worksheet to see a list of topics you can use to practice having an opinion.

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