What Makes Some Opinions Better Than Others?

Business Leader Post, August 9, 2012

Thomas D. Davidow, Ed.D.

While everyone has a right to his or her opinion, some opinions are more informed than others. When looking for a reliable opinion, there are three things you ought to check: educational background, training and experience. Of those three, I have found that experience is the single most important criteria for measuring the value of someone’s advice.

You know from experience that life is never a straight line—there are always curves in the road. You want to listen to people who understand those curves and consequently can advise you on how to avoid them and/or how to get through them if you find yourself in one.

Those people who can get you through the curve, who have been through the curves themselves and who can explain what is required in language you can understand have the most valuable opinions. In other words, the opinion itself matters less than the person who is giving it.