Don't Express An Opinion, Don't HAVE An Opinion

Whether it be a Board room or a Drawing room, silence prevails on most critical issues. Someone out there knows very well to leverage it and decision is made, although unilateral, but is assumed democratic.

Just after the meeting, I notice tete a tete taking place among the dummies (as I call them), about how autocratic the decision was. They complain that an opportunity to think was not given to them, it was too hurried, they were not prepared etc. Hardly ever they admit that their silence has prompted one-sided verdict. My comment to them in a simple phrase is:

“If you don’t express and opinion, you don’t HAVE an opinion.”

I do not advocate the vedic verse- Maunam Sarvarth Saadhanam (Silence solves all the problems). I rather believe, Silence sprouts most of the crises. More often than not, Silence is assumed as consent than otherwise.

When I search the reasons for Silence, I get the following answers:

A. Dilemma
B. Reluctance to hurt someone’s feelings and
C. Inability to take responsibility.

Don’t misinterpret my expectation, I don’t hope one to be George Bush. I just wish, s/he must express what s/he feels. In each of these situations, I have tried and tested a few ways out, and they work. This is what I advise:

A. Dilemma: State that you are not sure, you need more time to have a stand. A delayed verdict is better than a wrong verdict.

B. Reluctance to hurt someone’s feelings: Think of the consequence if you are silent. If it is justified, then keep mum. However, others must note that your silence is not assumed ‘Yes’. If not, the truth must prevail and you get an opportunity to try out diplomacy.

C. Inability to take responsibility: Remember! The pivot of the world are those who can take a call. You may have to find reasons to justify but it’s well worth it. Don’t hush the leader to emerge from you.