I am wary of getting advice and even more so about giving it. I once was in a group setting and made the mistake of saying i was feeling a bit stuck in life. This one guy in the group felt that i was isolating myself. His solution? It was to talk to people more. Not in a practical way like joining a club or something. But like just go up to strangers on the street and just start telling them my problems and stuff. Why he thought me going up to a random person and opening up to them about whatever is on my mind was a good idea, I'm not really sure, but I definitely did not take this advice to heart. What I try at the very least to do is empathize with someone. And I say that because giving advice that is practical can be difficult. And too many times, whether it's online or off, people tend to become "experts" on other people's problems, when more often than not, they can't seem to solve their own. Anyway, I'm not sure if that really made sense.
Unsolicited advice is tough. I try to avoid it. At work it's my job to give feedback whether it's wanted or not sometimes. I try to make sure it's focused on working together to move forward. Outside of work, I will ask are you looking for advice or to vent? I can do either but not both. That way I'm giving advice when it's wanted. Even then, I like to say something like 'take it with a pinch of salt' or 'regardless, do what feels right to you' etc. Empathy, and leading with empathy, is something I try to do, and advocate for with everyone. It's a fantastic way to approach our interactions with others.
I am wary of getting advice and even more so about giving it. I once was in a group setting and made the mistake of saying i was feeling a bit stuck in life. This one guy in the group felt that i was isolating myself. His solution? It was to talk to people more. Not in a practical way like joining a club or something. But like just go up to strangers on the street and just start telling them my problems and stuff. Why he thought me going up to a random person and opening up to them about whatever is on my mind was a good idea, I'm not really sure, but I definitely did not take this advice to heart.
What I try at the very least to do is empathize with someone. And I say that because giving advice that is practical can be difficult. And too many times, whether it's online or off, people tend to become "experts" on other people's problems, when more often than not, they can't seem to solve their own. Anyway, I'm not sure if that really made sense.
Unsolicited advice is tough. I try to avoid it. At work it's my job to give feedback whether it's wanted or not sometimes. I try to make sure it's focused on working together to move forward. Outside of work, I will ask are you looking for advice or to vent? I can do either but not both. That way I'm giving advice when it's wanted. Even then, I like to say something like 'take it with a pinch of salt' or 'regardless, do what feels right to you' etc. Empathy, and leading with empathy, is something I try to do, and advocate for with everyone. It's a fantastic way to approach our interactions with others.