Have you ever been in a situation that compels you to state your opinion? I would hazard a guess that you have, many times. Not only is your opinion important to you but it could be vitally important to the people that you are imposing your views upon. This behavior could be perceived as stating what is obvious to yourself, but not obvious to others around you. You believe it to be obvious, therefore it will be obvious to others. How wrong we usually are!

In many situations, stating the obvious is struck off the agenda consciously by those involved, they have no wish to embarrass themselves, therefore they keep these select views to themselves. In business this is particularly true, maybe the information hoarder believes that his opinion, due to it’s obvious nature, is worthless and believes the idea has already been thought through by the  corresponding parties. This again, is rarely the case. In fact, the obvious solution to one man remains  a vexing problem to another.

This is why stating the obvious is necessary; not only because I tend to state the obvious, but because it’s my belief that if more people followed this mantra, information flow within both business, cultural and social spheres would increase enormously. It is through communication and collaboration that as a race of human beings, we will push forward, overcome hardship and come together to fulfill our greatest achievements.

No matter the path you choose to walk, you will always need to express yourself at some stage or another. To take an example:  Musicians who work alone can produce beautifully formed and well rounded compositions, though musicians who work together can reproduce similar results to the exponent of the individual musicians talents. Two is better than one? Sometimes. The potential is certainly there.

Music – opera particularly – is a process which is endurable or successful only if it is achieved by people who love to collaborate.

Sarah Caldwell – Conductor and theatrical director.

Note the ‘love to collaborate’. There is little that can be achieved by an orchestra constructed with individuals that play their own part, the way they want it played. I chose this quote as an example of how leadership must play an important part in collaborating. An effective leader on any level has the power to bend and shape the paths of the people they lead. A successful conductor keeps the Orchestra in time, a successful leader of mankind will keep his flock out of harms way.  We are more than the sum of our parts; together we can achieve wondrous results that alone, would be impossible. Speak your mind; state the obvious; communicate and success is the first of a long list of benefits you shall reap.

This is a call to action, empower yourself, empower your friends and family. Talk to one another and share your ideas, there is no such thing as the obvious, express yourself!