Ideas are fragile in their infancy. They need to be nourished, fleshed out, and be allowed to grow. Words are powerful. It’s cliche, but you can literally turns someones day around with your words. For the best or for the worst. The same goes for ideas. You can use your words to propel an idea or to crush it. Always strive for the former.
Especially with good friends, it’s easy to want to rush straight to help them make a decision by calling out the flaws in the plan. In reality, what they need is for you to excited.
When someone shares an idea with you ask yourself 3 questions:
1) Is this person looking for advice?
If they are, give it. They sought you out for wisdom. But avoid words like, “I don’t know” or “maybe you should…” Remember, this is only the beginning. Some phrases lead to a negative tone and negativity could be the end of any idea.
2)What is my motivation?
Are you giving advice because you want things to stay the same? Social circles run in a hierarchy. There’s an order a, “way things are” and we all play a role. Once these roles are defined, it’s hard to imagine them any other way. We don’t like change. Once someone starts shaking things up and wanting to do things differently, it’s our initial reaction to fight to maintain the working order. Don’t.
Let people grow.
3) What does this person need from me most right now?
Encouragement? Hope? A push? Advice? The beginning of an idea deserves some “excitement” time. More than likely, they just need someone to be excited.
When someone comes to you (a friend) to tell you about an idea or project, be excited with them. That moment will mean more to them and their success than the most fruitful wisdom you could possibly offer.
With words, you can help people win or lose. We could all use more #winning.
Happy Thursday, Yo.
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