Beginning in the days of World War II and for decades, famed radio broadcaster Paul Harvey shared The Rest of the Story with millions of Americans. After presenting news stories on a variety of factual subjects, he surprised listeners each time with a true ‘twist’ at the very end and concluded with his signature sign off, “And now you know… the rest of the story.”
Although Paul Harvey died in 2009, I can’t help but think of his influence on today’s lesson. There are always two sides to every story, and it benefits us to make sure we know and understand both sides before making a judgment or rendering an opinion.
Whether it’s your best friend complaining about his or her spouse, a co-worker complaining about another employee, or a newspaper columnist writing a political story, just remember, there are always two sides to each story.
If we wish to be viewed by others as dependable, wise, and deliberate, we need to be sure we have all the facts before we speak or act.
Premature Opinions Harm Your Reputation
I think most people can relate to the ‘Uh-oh’ feeling that comes right after learning that we’ve made a fool of ourselves having argued a point only to find out that we didn’t have all the facts and made an err in judgment. This is followed by a (sometimes) tactful retreat or as they say, eating of words. We all may do it on occasion, but it’s worth considering the effects that rushing to judgment has on your reputation over time if it happens too often.
As an example, I have worked alongside a gentleman who has an opinion on absolutely everything. In his mind, I’m sure he believes that voicing a strong opinion on everything makes him seem knowledgeable and in tune with what’s going on in the world. But let’s face it; he’s just one man with a family and a job to look after. He can’t possibly devote the time and research necessary to making an informed decision about every issue of the day. This causes me to doubt his sincerity and some of his claims. Furthermore, I really couldn’t say what issues are important to him, because as he tells it, ‘everything’ is his business.
From the Headlines
Let’s look at a specific situation from today’s sports news. How many of you have heard at least one person say that LeBron James made a mistake in choosing Miami? Because it’s in the news, perhaps people feel compelled to hold an opinion, but how many people really know much of anything about LeBron’s reasons and personal motivations? They can speculate all day long, but that’s just what they’re doing. Consequently, this devalues their judgment in the eyes of others.
Can you see how this same concept applies to the everyday issues you face?
It’s natural to be influenced when we hear or read something—especially if it’s well presented, but it’s important to remember that you may not have the whole story. In the words of Winston Churchill, “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.”
Remember that it’s okay not to weigh in on every issue you’re confronted with. When you reserve your strongly held beliefs for the things that really matter to you, your opinions will carry more weight and your point of view will command greater respect.
Do People Stop to Listen to You?
In its day, E.F. Hutton was one of the most respected financial firms in the United States. Even those who didn’t follow the financial news knew the phrase, “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen.” The premise of this catchy advertising slogan was that E.F. Hutton had something of value to say when it came to investing money.
This isn’t a farfetched notion at all. For example, I am personally very careful with the things I endorse and what I give credit to. I seldom take strong positions on things, especially if they’re not important to me. When I do take a strong position and have an opinion to share, it’s for something I know a lot about and am prepared to defend from every angle. As a result, I find that people really do stop to listen when I have something to say.
Become Someone Whose Opinion is Respected
From this point forward, be intentional about forming beliefs and sharing your opinions. Make sure you have all the data on which to base your decisions. When addressing a conflict or challenge where people are involved, be sure to reserve your opinion until you have both sides of the story.
“In seeking truth you have to get both sides of a story.”
~ Walter Cronkite
About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed in America’s top 100 podcasts.)
Related Posts:
Our Lives are a Mirror Image of the Little Decisions we Make
Do You Say Things You Later Regret?
Praise or Criticize? When and Where?
How to Make Critical Decisions
When It’s Time To Learn, Shut Up And Listen
To Earn Respect You Must Show Respect
Be Open to the Ideas of Others
10 Simple Ways to Show Your Sincere Interest in Others
Six Ways to Avoid Misunderstandings
The Value of Feedback and Criticism
Email
Facebook
Twitter
StumbleUpon
Digg
Delicious
Reddit
Buzz
Facebook
Twitter
iTunes
LinkedIn
RSS
As a dynamic entrepreneur for 29 years, Todd Smith has enjoyed extraordinary personal and professional success. He owned his first business at 18, became one of the youngest Realtors ever inducted in to RE/MAX's Hall of Fame at 28, and for the past 20 years Todd has owned his own sales and marketing business. His business has generated more than one billion dollars in sales and has paid him more than 23 million dollars in commissions.
