5 Ways To Get The Best Advice (And Leave The Rest)
When emotions are clouding your ability to make the best decision, it’s time to reach out.
Having the support of others is essential when navigating uncharted territory, but not all advice is created equal. Opinions from family and close friends can come with attached emotions. Those close to us want what is best for us, but can be distracted by the need to protect us from disappointment. And just because someone has “more experience” than you, does not mean they can give unbiased opinions.
Here are 5 ways to get the best advice and leave the rest.
Ask the right person
Not every person in your life is fit to advise on every problem. Family may be helpful at life skills, like how much is too much to pay for an oil change, but may not be as well equipped to help you with strategic career decisions. Knowing who to ask for what kind of advice will set you up to get recommendations suited to the challenge at hand.
Encourage your advisor to ask you questions
Encourage your advisor to ask you questions to clarify, instead of dumping all the details on the table from the moment you sit down. Advisors and mentors who know how to ask questions can help you find the answers within yourself, vs. telling you what you should do.
Practice self-compassion
Many people (especially women leaders) struggle to ask for help and see advice as another form of support they should not need. Have compassion for yourself that you don’t have all the answers. By being kind to yourself and giving yourself the space to explore, you may be surprised by what you discover with the help of someone who cares.
Leave therapy to the professionals
There are some quandaries that are best dealt with in therapy. Know when the advice you are seeking should be coming from a certified mental health professional and when it is ok to ask a friend or confidant.
Consult your board of advisors
The most important decisions should not be made by one individual. This is where having a “board of advisors” can be your best asset. By having a group of smart people who understand your situation, but aren’t as emotionally involved as friends and family, you have unbiased feedback and a place to process your most important choices.
Not sure how to get a board of advisors of people at your level? Check out our SWELL by Rebelle program, a different kind of support for women leaders.
