Sometimes what is best for you may not be as good for someone else. On a similar note, sometimes it may.
Recently when talking to a friend on the phone about health and fitness, I commented that I like to have the occasional diet soda pop and compensate by drinking lots of water.
He commented that diet soda pop can assist in weight gain, but didn’t go in to a rant. We mutually agreed that water is always the best drink, and went on our way with a good conversation.
How often does it happen that a similar conversation could take place, and the other push their ideas, especially when it might not be useful or necessary?
Good relationships with others are built upon trust and mutual respect. These two elements are a couple of the most critical to bonding good working, personal, and general relationships.
As leaders, and as followers, its important to be both offer advice, and receive it. Offering opinions are important too. People like to be heard; for a good reason. New ideas and different approaches are important to the progression and advance of ideas, projects, humanity and may be inspiring.
Take time to understand how your advice and opinion might relate to someone else
When you have a strong opinion, idea, or position on an issue, typically you feel strongly about sharing that with others, right? There is nothing wrong with that, however, timing and placement are not to be overlooked.
What is the best time to full unveil your golden advice? A couple timing ideas include:
- Someone asks for your input or advice on the issue/discussion at hand
- You feel so passionate about it, and you know the other person needs it at the time (make sure you know)
What is a great way to impart your needed, requested wisdom? Two placement ideas are:
- No interruptions allowed. Wait until someone is done talking. Interruptions are both annoying and rude.
- Wrap it in a nice package. Start off with the meet in the middle approach. Show both sides; A and B, explain why you feel C may be best, and consider sharing a personal experience, or how you came to that conclusion.
Be ready to share your wonderful knowledge, opinions, and ideas with anyone who might benefit. In fact, often when you offer properly timed and placed ideas to someone, it will typically stick with them, benefit them, and in return they are prepared to help another.