The Savvy Snippet: Give Advice and Let Go
December 10th, 2007 by Cristina Favreau
The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right. — Hannah Whitall Smith
I like this quote because it describes what being a coach is all about.
When I give advice to my clients, it helps when I’m not attached to being right or wrong. My clients have their own decisions to make, based on their comfort level, personality, direction and readiness. I tell myself, “I could be wrong. I don’t have all the answers.” This way, I’m letting the client know I’m not trying to change them.
If you take this approach when offering honest advice from your heart and good intentions, you’ll free up your energy, knowing you said what you felt needed to be said, but the onus is now on the other person to accept or reject your words.
Giving advice is like giving a gift. Once given, it is out of your control. It is up to the recipient to decide what to do with it.
Jacki, thank you for such a beautiful analogy! I’ll remember that!