Freedom to Express Myself

For the past 9 years, I have been asked to be objective, diplomatic, document both sides of the story so as to present & discuss requirements with a user community. In pursuing the analysis, often I would see the pros & cons and have an opinion on a course of action. In my own mind, with the issues documented, it would seem obvious what the plan should be. These users would often ask my opinion and I was happy to orally express my opinion.

In the past year, I have heard people say to me, "Tell Me Your Opinion." And, though I heard them, I believe that I continued to hear that request through the lenses of a support person: an individual not empowered to express herself bluntly. Fortunately, being at Grameen away from my day job allowed something to click. When someone asked me to tell them my opinion, I understood:

1. The ten-minute background on the details of the issue was unnecessary
2. The person actually wanted my opinion

Time is an incredibly scarce resource at a non-profit, so the ability to forgo the extra explaination (unless asked), and just documenting my opinion is incredibly relieving and exciting!