Beyond the noise: Choose opportunity over opinion

Imagine standing in front of a large mirror that's covered in a thin layer of dust. If you only focus on the dust, you'll never see your reflection clearly. The mirror itself is still whole, still capable of showing you who you are and what you can become. But if you let the dust blind you, you might walk away, assuming it was broken or useless. The same applies to organizations.

A few bad experiences or isolated missteps are like that dust—they shouldn't cloud your ability to see the full picture. Every workplace will have its challenges, but also its champions, mentors, collaborators, and success stories. The trick is to wipe off the dust and look again with clarity and intention.

In today's hyper-connected and information-heavy world, it's easy to fall into the trap of judging an organization based solely on circulating negativity—be it a viral post on social media, an opinionated Glassdoor review, or a former employee's personal frustration. While such feedback might contain grains of truth, it's crucial to ask: does one bad story make a whole organization bad? Or are we sometimes letting selective narratives obscure a broader and more meaningful perspective?

Let me share a reflection that might shift the way we perceive opportunities, even within organizations that may not have the most pristine public image. It's about developing a more balanced, opportunity-focused mindset—one that allows us to grow and inspire others, rather than shrink into preconceptions.

Negativity spreads fast, often faster than positivity. It's not uncommon to hear people criticizing a company because of a poor experience, a challenging manager, or an unfulfilled dream. Such individuals may not have found their path within the organization for very personal or circumstantial reasons. Sometimes, their disappointment stems from unmet expectations, and sometimes, they may be right—the management may have failed to recognize or support their growth.

However, it is equally true that within that same organization, many others may have thrived, found purpose, built legacies, and created impact. If we allow the negative echo to dominate our perception, we risk shutting ourselves off from potential opportunities that could have been transformative.

I recall my own hesitations early in my career. There was one particular organization that many advised me against joining. Rumors swirled about its management practices and rigid hierarchy. But something changed when a mentor I trusted invited me to be part of a new team, promising an empowering environment.

What followed was more than a pleasant surprise—it was a career-defining experience. That very organization became a trendsetter in employer branding, and we built a team that didn't just thrive internally but influenced industry practices externally. I spent over a decade there, creating some of the most fulfilling chapters of my career. Had I chosen to listen only to the initial noise, I would have missed the chance to be part of that transformation.

Let's reflect on some of the world's leading organizations—Apple, Google, Tesla, Amazon, or the Big 4 accounting firms. They are often in the spotlight, and not always for positive reasons. Internal culture critiques, leadership decisions, ethical challenges—these stories are part of the public narrative. And yet, top talent continues to join them. Why?

Because amidst the criticism, these organizations also offer learning, scale, innovation, and opportunity. Many professionals know how to leverage these for their growth. They don't enter blindly, but they enter purposefully—with a mindset to contribute, learn, and rise.

An organization is not a monolith; it is an ecosystem of people. And just like in society, some people will uplift, while others might pull down. The key is to seek out the good humans within those who build, mentor, collaborate, and create impact.

If you're considering joining an organization but are hesitant due to negative reports, don't stop at hearsay. Ask for informational interviews with current employees. Look for leaders who are known for empowering others. Find a team where your values align. Organizations often house multiple microcultures—your job is to find the one where you fit and can flourish.

It's easy to say "No" to an opportunity when all you see are warning signs. But what if you asked: "What can I learn here?" "Is there someone I can work with who inspires me?" "Can I be part of the change I wish to see in this place?"

Sometimes, we are placed in imperfect environments not to endure them, but to improve them. And in doing so, we grow in ways that no perfect environment could ever teach us.

Let's resist the urge to pre-judge organizations based on someone else's story. Everyone's experience is unique, and success is often born in places where others have failed to see the light. Be the one who clears the dust from the mirror, who looks again, and who chooses to see not just what is—but what can be.

In the end, opportunity belongs not to those who avoid the noise, but to those who can hear it—and still choose to listen to the music underneath.

Faisal Imtiaz Khan is an executive & life coach; and professor at Centennial College, Ontario.