My line of work is very interesting. At least it is to me. As a home improvement expert, I’m asked to take a look at damage created by a single event and write an estimate to repair that damage based on my expertise.
That estimate is, in its most basic form, an opinion. I think it’s a darn GOOD opinion, but an opinion, nonetheless.
On more than one occasion, I’ve dealt with a contractor who believes I should be including more repairs than should be included. For example, rotted wood resulting from a long-term leak, but he wants it covered as damage from a recent hurricane. In this case, my opinion stands.
But what about a cracked window? Suppose I believe it’s the result of a rock propelled by a lawnmower? The contractor says it’s a debris strike during the hurricane. Who’s right? Either one of us could be. It’s time to look very closely at the opinions.
You know the old saying about opinions, right? Everyone’s got one. And quite often, there’s no clear-cut, only-one-opinion-is-right scenario. Here’s a good way to look at it:
We’re right on top of Thanksgiving. Do you have turkey? Chicken? Seafood? Duck? BBQ? Turducken?
If it’s turkey, do you roast it? Deep fry it? Smoke it?
Is it dressing or stuffing? And do you cook it in the bird or in a separate pot?
You see, there’s no right or wrong answer here. But in order to approach opinions correctly, you have to know how to navigate in a fair, non-biased manner. That involves knowing how to use Critical Thinking and having an Open Mind. A dash of common sense also helps. Here’s how that works:
Evaluate the evidence and reasoning behind each opinion.
Identify any logical fallacies or biases in the arguments.
Approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
And, be receptive to new information that may challenge your existing beliefs.
Remember that forming opinions is an ongoing process, and it's okay to evolve your views as you encounter new information and perspectives. Developing a well-rounded and well-informed perspective often involves continuous learning and adaptation. In other words, sometimes you just have to try the turducken.