Part 1: The problem with good advice
We are faced with decisions each and every day in our work and personal lives. Often we seek advice from other people, the problem with this 'good advice' is that it is good for the person that is giving it and not necessarily for you.
It is good for them in the context of their situation, their relationships, their work situation, the family support they have (or lack of), their financial situation, their beliefs, values and personality, and even sometimes good for the era they grew up in. The truth is that your context is completely different for all the above reasons.
It is good for them in the context of their situation, their relationships, their work situation, the family support they have (or lack of), their financial situation, their beliefs, values and personality, and even sometimes good for the era they grew up in. The truth is that your context is completely different for all the above reasons.
By all means when you are at the stage of making decisions scope for resources, gather information, seek out tools to help you get clear. Absolutely ask people's advice, it makes sense.
Although when you do always check if this advice works for you within your context. Fundamentally human beings want to know they have made the best decision possible given the circumstances. But what is a good decision for someone else may be a poor decision for you.
The number one best piece of advice that I have ever heard is this:
‘Listen, ask, enquiry and be curious about everything that is available to
help with your decision. And then only choose to take on board the stuff that fits with you, the ideas that match where you want to go. Let the rest just blow away.’
Beautiful advice.
It is the type of good advice that is useful in any situation.
Remember that the problem with good advice is that it is not always good for you.
Next week we will talk about how to make sure that your advice is relevant for your staff and your customers.
Next week we will talk about how to make sure that your advice is relevant for your staff and your customers.
Darren and Alison
P.S. Leave a comment below as we'd love to hear what is the best piece of advice you have ever received.
The best piece of advice I have been given goes like this...
ReplyDeletetoo many people spend their lives looking at their shoes. Look up.
I love this advice as it can be used in any situation where you need to be reminded that there is a whole world out there.
Thanks for the post Darren and Alison!
Hi Judy,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment and both Darren and I love the advice you've mentioned. Looking up gives us a perspective on our own stuff doesn't it!
Even relevant for me to hear today
Thank you!
Easily the best piece of advice we've been given is that the first sell is always to yourself. When you truly see the value in what you offer then selling it becomes easy. Seems so simple, but it's made a massive difference to the course of this year for us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Darren & Alison for that pearl! :)
Dougs & Jen
Thanks so much Dougs & Jen!
ReplyDeleteIf you are dripping with excitement, enthusiasm and belief that what you have to offer is going to meet a key need of their's and make life easier, quicker, freer then people notice.
You guys are rock-stars!