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If You Want My Advice...
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000

There are real risks involved in giving someone advice - no matter how well meaning your intentions. If they take your advice and things turn out badly - they could blame you for the outcome. Of course, you are not responsible for what they do or do not do - but the bottom line is that your relationship could be damaged.

So what do you do when someone asks for your advice? Consider prefacing your suggestions with the following:

1. "I really can't tell you what you should do - but I can share with you what I might do in this situation."

2. "I probably don't know enough about this situation to properly advise you, but based on what you have told me, here's something that I saw work very well once."

3. "I truly don't know what would be your correct course of action, but here are a few things that I've read might work."

And a REALLY great response might be:

4. "What do YOU think would be the best thing to do?"

And, while I would be remiss to tell you what you SHOULD or SHOULD NOT say if someone asks you for advice, I would strongly suggest that you do not tell them what they SHOULD or SHOULD NOT do.

"Shoulds" create a slippery slope, indeed.

Word count: 221

Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.

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