Facts are preferable when we try to make decisions. As such, the value of an opinion is often neglected.
Which is fair, though. Facts tend to have a stronger track record over the long term. Given the choice, I would prefer to use facts whenever I am intending to succeed. I think that's the desired outcome of most efforts.
But the tricky thing about opinions are they can be made up of beliefs as well as facts. As experience accumulates, those edges begin to blur. Opinions are risky in that regard. It puts a lot of responsibility of the receiver to be savvy enough to recognize the difference. It also puts a lot of responsibility on the holder of these opinions to recognize biases that develop.
Clarifying the opinions I want
Fact-based opinions are really what I am looking for when I seek advice. Quantitative data can be a little too favored. It's a good arrangement when answering "What [happened]?", but not always as good at answering "Why?".
The whats are usually plainly visible to any observer.
What: There was a car crash.
The whys are usually more consequential questions to answer. The whys can also be familiar.
Why: The driver was distracted.
Where opinions are most valuable
I can't think of a more important place to have a fact-based opinion than on a team. Than for a team. Having an opinion allows you to bring a perspective to the table. It's valuable. It contributes. Your opinion doesn't need to be "the winner", but they are valuable if they are heard. Because it's a guarantee they won't always be heeded.
The best quality a team could have is thoughtful disagreement. It is what opinions allow for. To be able to communicate openly in an effort to find the best solution. Everyone knows the worst team members are the ones that do no work, but the ones that offer no thought go into that bucket too.
Bring me your thoughts. At the very least. Even the bad ones.
The bad ones tend to collect fastest. Those hollow useless thoughts that pollute the others. They tend to be the greatest in number and least in value. You can bet discussion will be hard and unproductive to start as those begin to pour out.
Opinions require patience
But that's okay. Those good opinions will begin to come out. They will make discussion rich and give it character. They will give you character. A patina. Just some texture people can hold onto. Some assurance you bring a unique perspective; contributing some value to the conversation -- with your opinion.
If opinions are held correctly, they should age like wine. Those conversations you share with others should shape opinions. Making them less reactive and more nuanced. More like a melody than a chord. More like a jewel than ore.
But this can't happen in a vacuum. It has to happen together.