How to Express your Opinion and Increase your Influence

Upon stepping into a management role, I found myself compelled to share my perspective on every matter. Regardless of the subject, I felt the urge to voice my opinion. I believe this inclination stemmed from observing accomplished leaders who readily seized chances to articulate their viewpoints. <img alt="" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:700/1*rsgIT1g4zdMmaLdVWAmRsw.jpeg" style="height:467px; width:700px" /> Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@steve_j?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Steve Johnson</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/y-mB90P-6DY?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a> What I hadn’t initially grasped was that effective leaders went beyond merely expressing their viewpoints; typically, they contributed in a meaningful manner to the discourse. Whether it was by introducing a clarifying insight, leveraging their extensive experience to offer a more comprehensive perspective on the subject, or presenting a well-thought-out solution, they consistently brought valuable additions to the table. In short, they enhanced the discussions instead of just voicing opinions. The dilemma that arises is this: for individuals relatively new to managerial roles, should they vocalize their viewpoints? If the answer is yes, then the follow-up queries emerge — when is the appropriate moment to do so, and conversely, when should restraint be exercised? When faced with a subject that triggers the inclination to contribute, ask yourself these questions <ul> <li>What prompts my eagerness to engage with this particular topic?</li> <li>Is there a potential for me to enhance the ongoing conversation through my input?</li> <li>Do I possess a viable solution or am I prepared and available to invest the effort in formulating one?</li> <li>Will my opinion be perceived as pushback?</li> </ul> Why am I Engaging on this Topic? Once you’ve made the choice to participate in a specific ongoing discussion, pause briefly to organize your ideas. Constructing a data-supported argument holds considerably more influence than relying solely on emotions. Assume that others will scrutinize your argument closely. When armed with data, you can confidently delve into the topic in depth. However, lacking data, your argument might come across as an emotional appeal, which ultimately won’t lead you to a favorable outcome. This gives rise to its corollary: If you lack substantial knowledge about the topic or lack supporting data for your perspective, it’s wiser to exercise restraint. Hold onto your thoughts and take the time to listen to the contributions of others. As the conversation unfolds, you might discover that you have valuable insights to contribute. If not, you’ll emerge from the discussion having learned something. To quote Lincoln, ‘Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt’. <a href="https://medium.com/management-matters/how-to-express-your-opinion-and-increase-your-influence-643cd3331af0">Visit Now</a>