Leadership Thought #297 – Avoid the Popular Opinion Bandwagon

Everyone is too quick to jump on the popular opinion bandwagon these days. Instead of taking the time to research and reach an informed conclusion, most people find it much easier to go along with the crowd and follow whatever the media or their preferred commentators tell them to think. Just because something or someone resonates with you doesn’t mean the information accurately reflects reality.

There are no shortcuts to good judgment and thoughtful consideration. True leaders cannot simply follow the crowd or choose options that align with their preconceived notions. As the saying goes, “Whenever everyone is turning right, consider turning left.” It’s important to do your own thinking. Sometimes the crowd is right, but often it is misinformed and/or just plain wrong. Intellectual arrogance and laziness are just two sides of the same coin.

Conventional wisdom will only ever get you so far. The future is created by those who opt to think outside of the box and carve out their own path. Instead of choosing to see only what you want to see or hear only what you want to hear, I encourage you to be open to alternative points of view and not rush to judgment. Critical thinking is a key ingredient to a successful life. Strive to differentiate the truth from fiction, even if it sometimes makes you uncomfortable or requires extra effort.

Stay off any opinion bandwagon until you are certain the proposed ideas are supported by objective, fact-based analysis, not merely a personal need to feel validated and/or safe. Lastly, be cautious about who and what you follow, as it could lead you down a hazardous path.