[ Experience based opinions ]

Experience is so very important when it comes to knowledge work.  There is truth to the idea that our learning comes in 70/20/10:  10% formal training, 20% from discussing with others, and 70% from real-world on the job experiences.

I’d also suggest that our opinions hold more weight if there is experience behind it.  I can talk about the various challenges of doing an Ironman triathlon, and my opinion has more weight because I’ve done a few.  Similarly, if you’re discussing unique welding procedures or tricky construction methods, your opinion (aka judgement), is more trustworthy if there’s experience behind it.