How to Handle Unsolicited Advice Like a Boss

Did you know that unsolicited advice can actually be a creative super fuel?

For some people, advice is like a hot cup of coffee in the morning: they crave it and they need it to get going. For the rest of us mere mortals, advice is usually like a really bad song that gets stuck on repeat: you can’t wait for them to stop talking so you can leave the room.

Today we’re going to talk about how to mine the gold in unasked for advice and even how to use it to become more productive and creative. It’s time to learn how to handle unsolicited advice like a boss.

Very few of us like getting unsolicited advice. It feels like someone is telling you what to do, and it can even feel like an attack on your competence. So the next time someone tries to advise you on what you should or should not be doing with your mind, heart, body… well… anything…remember this little rescue technique.

C. P. R. That’s right — if it’s a dire situation, it’s time to turn it into a win with some CPR.

C for Choose. Choose curiosity! Sidestep the temptation to take it personally and resist making a judgment until they’ve shared their thoughts completely. Assume good intentions.

P for Ponder. Ponder on what might be helpful here. Listen for understanding rather than for why they might be wrong. And make up your mind to uncover the gold nugget of truth, no matter how small it might be, in what they have to say.

R is for Relate. From this moment forward, I want you to think of every interaction as an opportunity to relate and connect. Find the part you agree with and share it with them. This is where you get to expand your own thinking and connect with someone on a deeper level.

Then don’t forget to thank them! That’s right, say thank you and mean it!

That’s it. CPR. Choose, Ponder, and Relate. Try that today!

And don’t forget, you’re always allowed to disagree with the person. If someone’s advice or criticism doesn’t resonate with you or seems off-base, then it is entirely acceptable for you to state your case.

Above all — these sorts of events are nuggets in the making. By remaining calm, positively expressing yourself, and looking for the gold, you’re likely to be more creative in the future and connect with that person in a more meaningful way.

C.P.R.

And that, my friend, is how to handle unsolicited advice like a boss.

If you’re looking for more posts like this one, be sure to check out the rest of my blog posts for Creative Artists and Entrepreneurs here.