I often consider two things when giving advice: (1) the quality of the advice and (2) my relationship with the person to whom I’m giving advice. Point (1) seems natural: by default, ideas are cheap and we shouldn’t necessarily share them. The more an idea has helped me, the more readily I’ll share it. Also, +1 to the risk aspect that jimrandomh mentioned.
Regarding point (2): I think that we need to somehow earn the right to speak into the lives of others. Advice is often demanding, as in “I think you should do X”. Advice without a good relationship to the other person is just advertising or propaganda, and I’m skeptical when strangers give me advice. However, once I know and respect someone, that person has earned the right to give me advice, and I’ll be ready and happy to follow it.
I like this post, thanks for writing!
I often consider two things when giving advice: (1) the quality of the advice and (2) my relationship with the person to whom I’m giving advice. Point (1) seems natural: by default, ideas are cheap and we shouldn’t necessarily share them. The more an idea has helped me, the more readily I’ll share it. Also, +1 to the risk aspect that jimrandomh mentioned.
Regarding point (2): I think that we need to somehow earn the right to speak into the lives of others. Advice is often demanding, as in “I think you should do X”. Advice without a good relationship to the other person is just advertising or propaganda, and I’m skeptical when strangers give me advice. However, once I know and respect someone, that person has earned the right to give me advice, and I’ll be ready and happy to follow it.