Strong Opinions Loosely Held

There’s a notion that exists by the expression “Strong Opinions Loosely Held” which essentially means we are encouraged to form and hold bold opinions, but we should hold them loosely as added information is always presenting itself that potentially changes our outlook on things.?

The most practical example of this may be the way we see the social world around us. Each of us constantly forms opinions about usual and unusual social behaviors within our own communities but if we travel or visit communities that are quite different than ours (think about traveling to another country), our opinions about what’s usual and unusual quite often changes and our strongly held opinions become different.??

In our business world, most of us are quite opinionated. We have worked hard and evolved a lot over the years to become proficient and successful patrons of our craft. Whether it’s people leadership or and individual contributor role, we have a lot of beliefs on how things should be done, need to be approached, or how we should engage with each other. In a world of “Strong Opinions Loosely Held”, we’re encouraged to voice these opinions but also encouraged to avoid being stubborn and not evolving those opinions as we are exposed to methods and information that may evolve our perspective. But this is where things tend to go wrong, and our strong opinions aren’t so loosely held after all.??

One of a few things typically occurs when someone declares a strong opinion:??

1. It’s not challenged because the individual sharing is doing so with such confidence or social influence that it’s simply trusted as the best idea.?

1. When it is challenged, the person sharing (reasonably so) argues it with enough passion that the idea either persists due to stubbornness or there is a silent divergence between the debating parties.??

Sound familiar? That’s because most of us (especially in tech) love the idea of throwing out bold ideas, and then evolving them rapidly as a team.? But if either of the 2 above instances occur, we’re missing the point and instead chasing potentially expensive and half-validated opinions and ideas. So, here’s how I am working to avoid the above:?

Build and protect psychological safety into team culture - Creating psychological safety within a team culture means fostering an environment where team members feel safe to take risks, express their thoughts, and share concerns without fear of negative consequences. When we think about this in the context of sharing bold ideas and challenging them to be loosely held, we must encourage team members to voice their ideas and opinions, ensuring that each person's contributions are acknowledged and valued; but we also must model vulnerability by admitting oversights, and showing a willingness to learn from added knowledge and perspectives.?

Proactively seeking detractors and criticism – In my own work, I am always on the hunt for innovative ideas that can further our business and amplify our efforts. Several years ago, when confidently pitching an idea to a more senior leader, he replied, “this all sounds great, what have your biggest detractors said about it?” I had never thought about testing an idea in this way before, but it turned on a lightbulb. If we really believe in an idea or opinion, we shouldn’t be hesitant or afraid to hear from those who believe differently or see things in another way. At best, they support our thinking and at worst, they help us understand where the gaps and doubts lie. I now find this step in testing my thinking one of the most insightful and helpful.??

Demonstrate visibly, holding strong opinions loosely – Like with psychological safety, it’s the responsibility of everyone, especially the leader of a group, to model what loosely holding strong opinions looks like. When we visibly show taking something we passionately believe, then evolving it because of the insight, input, challenges, or contributions of others, we show others it’s safe and thoughtful to do so also. This builds momentum and a culture of failing forward and transformation over time.??

Having strong opinions or beliefs but holding them loosely can be a superpower in the business world, especially if we support and protect the vulnerability that comes with both sides of that equation. It takes bravery, confidence, and conviction to publish or proclaim strong opinions and perspectives. But it also takes boldness, self-awareness, and assurance to evolve those ideals when compelled through added information.??

How do you think about strongly held opinions that are loosely held? Share in the comments below.