Becoming Our Best
ON GIVING ADVICE II
It seems that in my life and work, I have many times been asked to give advice to family, friends, clients and strangers. When I was younger, I freely gave advice (asked for, and sometimes not asked for). Having a few more years under my belt, plus studies in Counseling, I am more thoughtful about giving advice. Here are some key matters to consider:
- Did the person ask for advice?
- Did he or she really want my advice, or simply agreement or sympathy?
- Am I competent to give advice on this topic?
- Are we ready to face some difficult truths together?
- Will the advice be helpful in the short or long term?
As you can imagine, I didn’t go through this list of things in my head every time I have given advice in the past (and sometimes in the present). Still, it is good to have these matters in the “back of your mind” when in a situation where advice is required.
Sometimes the best advice is no advice at all. In that case, you can express your care (love?) for the other person and simply communicate that you really don’t have any advice on the topic. That can be freeing for you, as well as the other person.
Author: Bruce Johnsen Management Consultant:
824 Munras Ave Suite G
Monterey, CA 93940
831-373-5969
bruce@brucejohnsen.com
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