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?

Why would you search for a new job?

From talking with my friends in the recruitment industry they suggest the 5 key reasons for why people look for a new job are:

1. To earn a bigger salary
2. Have a balance between work and other pursuits in life such as family, hobbies and sport
3. Difficult relationship with their boss
4. Career Development - in some cases climbing the corporate ladder
5. A mismatch of values between self and the culture of an organisation.

Have the reasons really changed over the last 25 years? Certainly we didn't hear 15 years ago a balance between work and life was a reason. Perhaps it was, but it was considered not an appropriate reason to give at a job interview because the applicant feared they wouldn't be taken seriously.

More money has always been a key reason for moving into another role. If you feel you are not being paid your worth it makes sense to do some window shopping to see what the competition is offering and whether they offer the same or bettter conditions. However, do you really say this at an interview and risk the interviewer thinking you are only there for the money.

I think for many of us the reasons why we look for another role are more complex than a single reason alone. It can be built up over time and can start from an innocent exchange with your boss when she didn't listen to your great business idea, compounded by organisational restructures, new work rosters and little investment in training.

What are your views on the reasons why you would search for a new job?