Think about it: How many times have you been given (or gave) unsolicited advice? How did it make you feel? Friends, family, and even strangers may have a good intent, but often unsolicited advice is more about sharing their own story/experience. Unsolicited advice might be given, when they just need to listen. Can you relate?
As a Certified Professional LIfe Coach, clients need someone to listen intentionally, ask deep questions in order to encourage possible considerations. Instead of advising, I support a client’s desire to discover what he/she is hearing deep inside and what God might be saying.
Here are three strategies for adressing unsolicitied adivce. Adjust the wording to what suits your personality.
1) Recognize the person’s intent but politely and firmly by saying: “I really just need you to and let me vent/talk. I know you care, but unsolicited advice isn’t helpful or needed. Thank you for understanding.”
2) Redirect the conversation by placing your hand up in front of your own face...not his/hers. This visual signal helps the speaker to focus on you. Directly and calmly state: “Advice isn’t what I want/need but I know you mean well. Could we talk about something else?” Ask a question to redirect the focus entirely.
3) Regroup physically turning, standing, sitting, changing seats/locations, look elsewhere as you change the topic. Sincerely say “I’m not able to focus on this and I really want/need/rather do ______instead.” Or you might have to be more blunt and direct by saying: “I’m not open or ready for any advice. Let’s __________.”
If you are interested in sharing your thoughts or experiences, please post a comment or reach out to me at www.forwardstepsinlife.com or [email protected] I’d love to connect and support you!
Subscribe to Joan’s Newsletter for Forward Steps in Life and receive a free copy of “Reframing What Ifs?”
Looking up!
Joan Munro, CPLC
5/3/2024
April Anticipation
Joan Munro, CPLC
4/1/2024
Decisions, Decisions!
Joan Munro, CPLC
3/2/2024
What Ifs to Even ifs
Joan Munro, CPLC
2/1/2024
January Janus
Joan Munro, CPLC
1/2/2024
Finding Joy
Joan Munro, CPLC
12/1/2023
S.A.D to S.A.N.E
Joan Munro, CPLC
11/1/2023
Disappointments & Discoveries
Joan Munro, CPLC
10/1/2023
Unsolicited Advice
Joan Munro, CPLC
9/1/2023
Summer Slump
Joan Munro, CPLC
8/1/2023
My Growth
Joan Munro, CPLC
7/1/2023
What Ifs?
Joan Munro CPLC
6/1/2023
Giving and Receiving
Joan Munro, CPLC
6/1/2023
Managing Your Stress
Joan Munro, CPLC
5/1/2023
Compassion Fatigue
Joan Munro, CPLC
4/2/2023
Facing Health Challenges
Joan Munro, CPLC
3/1/2023
Anchoring Mountain Top Experiences
Joan Munro CPLC
2/2/2023
Post Holiday Blues
Joan Munro CPLC
1/1/2023
Becoming Who You Want To Be
Joan Munro CPLC
12/1/2022
Choosing Well
Joan Munro CPLC
11/1/2022
What is Emotional Agility?
Joan Munro CPLC
10/1/2022
Growth Mindset
Joan Munro CPLC
9/1/2022
Summer Sensation or Sizzling Out?
Joan Munro CPLC
8/1/2022
Turmoil Everywhere
Joan Munro CPLC
7/1/2022
May Mindfulness
Joan Munro CPLC
5/5/2022
3 Ways to Uncover Your Purpose
Joan Munro CPLC
4/3/2022
March Madness: Which One?
Joan Munro CPLC
3/13/2022
February Fault Lines
Joan Munro CPLC
2/4/2022
ADD/ADHD: Choosing Clarity
Joan Munro
1/2/2022
Christmas Playlist
Joan Munro
12/15/2021
DRIVEN
Joan Munro
11/18/2021
Building Resiliency
Joan Munro
11/1/2021
Calming Prayer
Joan Munro
11/1/2021
Productivity: Motivator or Magnifier?
Joan Munro
9/7/2021
Five ADD Focus Strategies
Joan Munro
8/4/2021
Sandwich Generation
Joan Munro
7/1/2021
Staying Connected
Joan Munro
6/14/2021
Prayer Principles for Business
Joan Munro
6/1/2021
Mindsets and ADD/ADHD
Joan Munro
5/15/2021
Wondering in the Waiting
Joan Munro
4/3/2021
Life Transitions: Unwanted and Unexpected
Joan Munro
3/3/2021
Kids and CoVid: What’s a Parent/Caregiver to do?
Joan Munro
2/28/2021
Calm Amid the Chaos
Joan Munro
2/22/2021
February Hearts
Joan Munro
2/10/2021
