David R. Malmborg

Pic by FotoRita on Flickr

Why has it taken me so long to write this? WOW! Finally I have posted it.

So I had a dilemma, and I had some good responses that made me think. I want to thank those who talked to me about the topic.

Here is the initial question: Is there a way to determine who I should and shouldn’t give advice too?

Right of the bat, I was kind of surprised by peoples responses, and I started noticing a trend. In general the people all seemed to feel that advice freely given (without knowing the context of said advice) was viewed negatively. I don’t know for sure, but I feel that if I had labeled the post differently I may have received different answers. For example, think of what you might have said if I titled the post, and built the discussion around a different word such as:

• Giving Counsel
• Giving Recommendations
• Giving Suggestions
• Giving Tips or Pointers

All of these are different in their own way, yet each are synonyms to each other. I know it is all semantics, but I wonder how different your answers would be in how to appropriately give your “piece of mind.” Do you think it would change at all? Also, do you agree or disagree with me that out of these terms, advice has a more negative connotation that the rest?

Concerning Advice

Most everyone (small sample of course), said that you should ask to give advice, never just throw it out there.

Because of the idea that advice may be seen as negative, it makes more sense that people are very closed and not too accepting to advice when it is freely given. I feel it is for that reason people prefer if you ask before giving advice.

En Fin

Overall, I feel that I need to take it upon myself to become more aware and conscience of how liberal I am with what I have to say. It seems that it is appropriate to ask if I may share my ideas. Whether the matter is huge or just a trifle, I suppose asking would be appropriate in all circumstances. That is my conclusion of my dilemma. Let me know whether you think I am getting it, or I am completely off base here, I may need to update my thought process again.

Thanks again for participating,
DRM2