When commenting on colleague's work, or when arguing constructively, how often do you use "I think" in an attempt to appear less authoritarian/harsh, or conversely, more open minded. How did it work out? What are the pros and cons that you've observed?
In my day job, I preface propositions <i>a lot</i>. It's important to define what is a fact beyond change, what is substantially supported by evidence, what I think, what I believe, and what I hope.<p>Overstating or understating my certainty prevents clients from making informed decisions. If I inflate our chances at trial, a client could end up receiving more punishment than necessary because he forgoes the benefit of a plea deal. If I err in the other direction, a client may give up on fighting against an allegation even if we have a decent chance at an acquittal. Either way would be a failure to serve my client's best interests.<p>Beyond my own clients, I am also supervisory counsel over five younger attorneys. If I inject false certainty into our discussions, there are major ethical implications. If it's bad enough, it could even constitute a crime.
Personally I have gone ever further and started treating "I, you, my, your" as mild swear words especially around people who are insecure or who may unfairly think you are authoritarian.<p>"one could argue", "it's possible", etc. may be better alternatives for "I think".
Very often. I think it's when I construct a hypothesis rather than bring forward a proven theory. When you say things straight, it's usually not up for debate.<p>Compare "I don't think we can fix this bug until we refactor," to "We can't fix this bug until we refactor".
I have a simple rule I try to follow:<p>Always lead with what you know factually followed by what you think.<p>When speaking to people, I often ask them to tell me what they know to be factual and what they think. Then I like to talk about how we can prove or disprove what we think.
Never if I can help it. Saying "I think" is redundant because everything that comes out my mouth is something that I think. Lead with anything else everytime you think sbout saying, "I think"