by Melody Hearndon

Created on: July 27, 2011

Offering advice can be frightening, tricky and unnerving for many. So many confuse the term advice with the term opinion, and they are unrelated no matter how one tries to deliver the message. The age old adage “don’t kill the messenger” rapidly comes to mind.

Perhaps by shedding light on the difference between the two one can surmise the correct route in which to offer advice appropriately instead of haphazardly or recklessly. We are emotional beings, and putting aside our emotions is priority one.

As defined, advice is merely a recommendation or proposal for an appropriate course of action. The term for an opinion is a person’s personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty. Clearly the two are opposite in definition, yet once the mouth is fully engaged, they easily end up intertwined….

Objectivity

Objectivity is a state of mind. Journalists are taught to remain objective so as to “observe” the story as a whole, not just split it up in bits and pieces where it can get distorted and lose credibility. Clearly, there are two sides to every story, and the truth always rises in between. One who is objective has full understanding of this knowledge.

Sensitivity

Advising others requires one be sensitive to the needs, ideas, and emotional make-up of the person seeking the advice. It’s important that they not feel threatened or intimidated. It takes courage to ask for advice, and to disrespect them in any way shape or form is unacceptable. Be sensitive, yet responsible in your delivery. It will be more appreciated.

Information Overload

This can be a trap we could easily fall into. Someone has come to you for advice, and you unknowingly provide in excess…information overload. Perhaps they are more confused now than before? That defeats the whole purpose for initially seeking advice.

Information is an extension of what you’re knowledgeable of. That’s why this person chose you for advice. If you provide more than they can process, they are already out of the loop so to speak. Keep it at a level in which they can embrace, and perhaps come up with a viable solution as well. Anything more and we’re only pushing the envelope.

Listen Carefully

It’s your responsibility to listen to the person who has sought you for advice. Determine if this person truly wants advice or is just seeking an opinion. By doing so, the message may be completely different than the advice you may have offered.

It’s imperative to have their best interest in heart and mind. Confusion, vulnerability, or someone who is easily swayed needs to have someone to trust. If that person is you, then by all means take into consideration the whole picture, not just what’s being presented. Wisdom will step in and understand the difference.

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