When someone asks for your advice, it’s important to take the time to listen and think about what they’re saying before you respond. It’s easy to get caught up in our own thoughts and opinions, but it’s essential to be respectful and understand the person asking for help genuinely.
Think about why someone chose you to open themselves up for advice during a challenging decision-making process. It’s a huge compliment, so don’t take it lightly or objectively. This is the moment when you need to be subjective.
Ask the right questions.
Being binary or responses like “do whatever makes you happy”; aren’t the best way to help.
The advice-seeker needs more than that. They need guidance, understanding, and a sense of effort to respect any advice from you. So ask open-ended questions, and try to figure it out together.
Practice empathy. What would I do if I were in your shoes!
So please take a deep breath, be present, and show that you understand what they’re saying by paraphrasing what you think they’ve shared. This will help ensure that you’re on the same page and it builds trust. Then, and only then, should you share your thoughts and advice.
And even then, do so cautiously. Be aware of your tone and delivery. This is not the time to be objective or preachy. State your opinion as factually & logically as possible because you don’t want to be judgmental.
When someone is asking for your advice, it’s important to remember that they are putting their trust in you and opening themselves up to vulnerability. It can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and connection if you approach it with empathy, understanding, and respect.
The goal is to help the person feel better about their situation, not make them feel worse. So be respectful, understanding, and offer support however you can.
Whether we’re offering advice to a close friend or to a total stranger, it’s essential that we approach these interactions with openness and kindness, recognizing the importance of these moments for both ourselves and those we are helping.
With consideration and compassion, advice-seeking can be a truly rewarding experience for all involved. And no matter what advice we ultimately choose to follow or offer up ourselves, one thing is certain: the bonds between people will only grow stronger through dialogue and shared wisdom.
This is a follow-up essay based on “Why is it important to seek advice.” here !!
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This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.
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From The Good Men Project on Medium
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