August 2004

Giving Advice

Managers are expected to guide, mentor, direct and lead.   Yet, there are times when many self-directed employees  may seek out their manager for use as a “sounding board” only  to be frustrated by their manager's dictates.    Even when your opinion comes from hard-earned experience, managers should listen closely to employees before dispensing unwelcome advice.    

• Quietly listen to your employees.  Many employees can solve their own problems simply by articulating the problem which will help trust their instinct and increase their confidence in their problem solving abilities.  
• Keep your attention to the employee's problem.   Attempt to empathize and share similar stories may seem self-focused to the employee and the example may not be a direct match to the employee's problem.  
• Unless the employee asks for your opinion or comfort, resist the urge to volunteer.  
• Attempt to identify the employee's intention for the discussion.  If you are still unclear, ask “Do you want my advice or do you just need to talk?”

If the employee is seeking your advice, ask leading questions that will help them open up and direct them towards identifying the solutions.     

Adapted from the Kansas City Star article “ Advice on Advice.The First Rule:Don't Give it  Unless You're Sure It's Wanted” by Linda  Wiedmaier.
  

Working Solutions is a non-profit  organization providing employee training and  leadership development services for  healthcare organizations,  non-profits and corporations.  This retention tip is  published monthly to provide tips, strategies and new  ideas for HR professionals, managers and executives to  help retain their  employees.