Sharing your strong opinion in the workplace - is it career limiting?

The question is do you or don't you open your mouth and give your strong opinion in the workplace? Does it depend on the circumstances of the situation, and how delicate are they? Does it depend upon the culture of the organisation? Does it depend upon whether you have an iron stomach to tolerate the repercussions of having an opinion outside of the mainstream thoughts of the organisation you operate in?

Yes, there are lots of questions to ask before you open your mouth. Sometimes intuitively we know the answers before we begin and find ourselves with an opinion contrary to popular thought and decide to press on regardless. We bear the risk of the repercussions which may be small or great depending upon the answers to the questions above.

Having and giving an opinion is certainly a basic entitlement of existence in the free world. In Australia we are fortunate to be able to express our opinions without being taken to a place of incarceration. In the workplace the consequences may vary depending upon the organisation's culture, people you work with, ethics and really how you delivered the opinion. The last point is so important to many. It is not so much what is said but how it is delivered. Is the opinion delivered with respect and kindness and doesn't impinge on other people's entitlement to holding a view? I think absolutely. What do others think about expressing candid views in the workplace?