Giving Advice
Posted on 1 June, 2009 by Paul, Sam | 
2 Comments to Read
Have you ever avoided telling someone something, because you knew as soon as you did they would start telling you what you have to do to fix it? Especially with close friends, family and loved ones. Their advice is always well intended but sometimes you might just need to get things off your chest to help you think things through. The last thing you need is someone giving you their words of wisdom before you have even finished giving them the facts!
In this show Sam and Paul go though some of the pros and the cons of giving advice and when not to. It can be confusing knowing when to give or receive advice, so giving people the heads up before you start can make the whole conversation take on a different slant. We also cover how to deal with unwelcome advice without burning your bridges and upsetting people, which can all too easily happen as you’ll hear!
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Brigid C said,
Very good podcast Paul and Sam
I wrote a blog post on this subject some time ago that deals with some of these issues: http://coolbeesplace.blogspot.com/2008/11/giving-and-receiving-advice.html
I think it is so important for coaches to be non-directive. With friends and colleagues it is also important to let people talk and figure things out for themselves rather than jumping in and ‘advising’ them!
Sam said,
Hi Brigid,
Thanks for your comments, and the link to your own exploration of how it feels to give & receive advice – as well as looking at the sustainability impact of advising vs asking insightful questions!
We can be lucky to have some moments where friends/family/colleagues are able to ask us poignant questions that help us create a perspective shift. We may not recognise those moments or questions as tools that we can draw upon in other challenging situations; and sometimes we might need a series of questions & reflections that really help us open up whatever was holding us back.
Your blog mentions that Coaching is a brilliant opportunity to access our inner wisdom, and that this provides a growing foundation of tools & resources that we (Clients) can use going forwards. I’ve always loved the idea that as a Coach, part of my purpose is to make myself redundant in this way! And of course, there is always the option to come back for more focused Coaching support should a new brick wall show up that you aren’t sure how to start tackling!
With love & curiosity,
Sam
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