Saturday, June 7, 2014

Quote-A-Day: Day 158

Everyone deserves the right to express an opinion as long as they don't try to force that opinion on others.    

If you've been living under a rock for the last few decades you might be shocked to find out that we are a fairly opinionated society (GASP!).  Everyone has an opinion, and that's a good thing.  We should all feel comfortable expressing ourselves, as a world without opinions is also likely a world without innovation; making the world better starts with expressing what one thinks needs to change.

But, as with most things, there is a dark side to opinions.  Sometimes, those in power, or those who just have the loudest voices, feel that having the right to an opinion is the same as having the right to force that opinion on others.

As leaders and learners, we have to both respect people's right to an opinion while at the same time respecting their right to have the time to form an opinion of their own.

Learning happens differently for different people, and we can't force others to accept an idea that we have.  In fact, the deepest learning occurs when people come to some sort of conclusion or generate an idea together; collaboration truly builds stronger bonds.

It is beyond necessary for all of us to make sure that we welcome the right for everyone to have an idea of their own.  And by that nature, people should have the right to decline from accepting an idea that isn't theirs to begin with.

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