WEEKLY WISDOM - ADVICE

Advice: guidance or recommendations offered regarding prudent future action:

Giving advice is a crucial aspect of leadership, and it's worth exploring how to do it effectively. As a leader, you're often sought after for your perspective on various issues, a testament to your value and influence in your community or organization.

Advice is not just a potential solution, but a powerful tool in navigating problems, situations, circumstances, or issues. Your advice can provide the clarity needed for informed decisions, from the simple choice of attire to complex budget cuts that affect your staff.

When someone asks for your advice, what is your first response? What's interesting to me is that when I tell people about my particular situation, based on the initial information I give them, they will provide their best advice.

Here's the leadership lesson: if we are talking about business or challenging relational issues, I would never provide any advice based on the initial information given to me. I promise you, there is much more to the story than you have heard. Often, we may want to supply our advice before obtaining all the information. I love what Solomon has to say about being wise in this space. Proverbs 16:21 from the Message states, "A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation," Proverbs 17:27 states, “The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm.”

So, what should a leader do in this situation? Here's my advice.

(1) Move into curiosity mode. Ask a host of questions, ensuring that you have a thorough understanding of the situation.

(2) Probe for their perspective on the situation and how they feel about it.

(3) Assess what solutions they are considering and whether they have mentally modeled the results or consequences.

(4) Lastly, find out if they have consulted with others and what advice they provided.

This process allows for more information to surface during the relevant conversation to your advice.

After going through that process and correlating it with your experience, you can start to apply your wisdom. What is wisdom? It's the ability to use your expertise and knowledge effectively. Wisdom comes from God, who gives it to those who ask for it. Read the book of Proverbs to know how generous He is in His gift of wisdom. Also, James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

After you have gone through those steps, then you can give your advice. I can guarantee that your advice is more insightful because you have shown a genuine interest and have gained more information. Once you have given your advice, the conversation will still be ongoing. You must engage in further discussion, asking the person their thoughts and action plans to move forward. Now, you can start bringing it to closure. Closure comes when you follow up with them for outcomes.

These are steps you can take to sharpen your leadership skills regarding advice. Don't take your leadership influence in this area for granted, as this builds serious credibility. You got this!!!

Exercise Your Power this week-

1.       Put into practice the steps of advice in at least 2 of your leadership conversations this

week.

2.       Advice is built on wisdom. Read Proverbs Chapters 1-3 for more insight.

3.       Discuss these steps with other leaders or at least one of the persons who report to you.