Some Advice on Advice at Work

Be careful when you give advice--somebody might take it." Anonymous.

Most of us enjoy giving advice. If you're a manager, it may even make you feel a lot more managerial. And let's be honest, advice is a lot more fun than criticism.

What Kind of Advice Is Desired?

Counselors know that when someone arrives for a first visit, the story that unfolds is usually the "presenting" problem. It's not necessarily a matter of deception. We may not feel comfortable "putting it all out there" quite yet. Or, we may not even be clear about what the real issue is, which is why we want to talk it through in the first place.

Advice & The Workplace

If you can't tell what your employee or boss wants by how a subject is introduced, ask a few questions. Does the person want:

• To hear critical information and facts?

• To know your opinion on an issue?

• To get help with generating alternatives to a situation?

• To know how you went about doing something?

• To check out his or her reasoning on a decision?

It's easy to fall into the instant response trap; we all want to be helpful. Sometimes that kind of help isn't helpful at all.

Ask specifically what the other person wants. It will save you both a lot of time and lead to more satisfying results.

Comments

[FrodeHeimen]

Hi Steve. Great advice :D Sometimes when a problem is presented, the obvious answer might not be what they want to hear. I like to ask a lot, and also try to get them to find their own answers. But sometimes I just have to say it anyway. A good example is an employee that wants to show you his work, it might be to get critical feedback, and if you just say "good job" he might not be motivated to continue displaying his best work.

[Steve Roesler]

Frode,

Good to see you and thanks for taking time to add to the topic.

Yes, the phrase "good job" really has no meaning because we all want to know from our boss:

a. What is good about it?
b. How well does it meet your expectations?
c. What would you suggest I do differently?

And a few other questions as well. Thus, starting off with questions may be fine but you very well have to let the individual know where (s)he stands vis a vis the standard set.

BTW: Keep up the terrific work on your site and with your business. Readers, if you haven't checked it out yet, visit Frode at http://www.nevermindthemanager.com/