Lets face it, we all have our fair share of unpopular opinions, especially when it comes to work. It's an inevitable part of entering the workforce, but voicing them out, especially for a generation as outspoken as Gen Zs, can prove to be tricky and difficult.
Yes, the nature of unpopular opinions at work is undeniably controversial, and sensitive, with some seeing it as a strength while others view it as abrasiveness or even offensive. So if airing such opinions will likely land you in a contentious situation, what are the upsides of doing so?
Differences in opinions
Let's start by addressing the fact that unpopular opinions can be driven by subjective emotions or logical reasons. It's important to create a distinction because you often come across both examples at work, and only the latter is worth focusing on as it’s actually constructive.
Your colleague refusing to work with their team is a good instance, which could be due to any number of reasons. If the reasons are personal like grudges or feuds, then it's neither helpful nor constructive, and therefore not worth engaging with. However, if it's because the team members are lazy and your colleague calls them out on it, then this is a situation that can be remedied.
The Gen Gap
Now that we’ve talked about the importance of differentiating the two types of opinions, let's dive into the confusing part: why unpopular opinions are “popular”. There are many reasons for this, but it often boils down to generational differences.
The simple fact is that people are shaped by the times they live in, and this in turn, influences the culture at work. Everything from work ethic to communication styles differ with every generation of worker, and includes being vocal at work.
Older generations like Boomers of Gen X tie their personal identities and sense of achievement to their jobs, which makes them less likely to voice opinions that would otherwise put their job security at risk. Zoomers, on the other hand, value things like work-life balance and good vibes, putting them in a position to more actively call out toxic workplace culture and behaviours that arise from the practices that old generations engage in over the years.
This means that when Gen Zs enter the workforce as fresh graduates, they will undoubtedly encounter many issues between them and their Gen X managers and Boomer bosses, with unpopular opinions being one such topic that exists within the generational divide.
Pros of speaking out
So why is speaking out so popular then? Well, there are two main reasons: the first is about how it makes you feel internally. When you regularly voice out your opinions, it builds your self-confidence in your abilities to articulate yourself, and encourages personal growth.
At the same time, it reduces stress that comes from cognitive dissonance; the discomfort people feel when their beliefs don’t match with their actions. By speaking your mind, you are staying true to your authentic self and reinforcing your personal identity to become more resilient to influence.
The second reason is centred around creativity and better decision-making. By speaking out, you’re not only facilitating open discussion, but you’re also encouraging others to contribute their alternative views, and discuss complex subjects in greater detail to get the best possible solution.
Cons of being candid
On the flip side, however, there are also downsides to being vocal. As mentioned, some senior leaders may not respond well to this, and therefore are likely to put enormous pressure on staff to stay in line and discourage them from saying anything at all.
This can even extend to things like pseudo-punishments, such as piling more work on certain employees or writing them up with HR.
On top of that, you may come off as someone who’s out to ruffle feathers within the team, tarnishing your reputation and making you out to be a poor team player and intentionally difficult employee. Having such labels can lead to consequences like being overlooked for promotions, or even landing yourself on a blacklist with more conservative members of management.
Share it or zip it?
Whether you believe it's a good idea to be outspoken at work or not, there are benefits to doing so, particularly if you know how and when to make your voice be heard. For introverts, it's a good way to show initiative, and that you’re willing to take risks and contribute to the organisation.
Extroverts, on the other hand, will need to be strategic when picking the right time and place to voice their opinions to prevent being seen as overly disruptive. For example, if you’re working in a conservative environment, you need to consider the timing and the delivery of your opinion to make sure you don’t incur negative consequences and still make a positive impact out of being vocal.
Weighing the Risks of Unpopular Opinions at Work
Voicing controversial opinions at work, particularly in Singapore, is a rightfully complicated and touchy subject for many since many industries tie professionalism and hierarchy to values like respect. Yet, this hasn’t stopped the young from standing up for their beliefs and thoughts, cementing their reputation as one of the most candid groups in the workforce today.
But to do so requires you to navigate long held perceptions like being disruptive or rude with the need to be authentic and encouraging a conducive environment for open conversations. This can lead to new ideas and insights, offering you a more balanced perspective and fostering more positive discourse in the workplace.
