I just stopped by Robert Scoble’s blog and read up on a few things. He asked for some comments or advice or input, and I responded. OK, no big deal…
Earlier this evening, a friend of mine called because he didn’t get the job that he was just interviewing for. He mostly was calling to vent and also to share, because I had left a message over the weekend, wondering how it went for him. My relationship with him goes back a long time, back to high school. So, for us, it is very easy to share, vent and also offer advice.
However, as a general rule, offering advice has almost always gotten me in trouble. Maybe it’s a little different recently because I’ve had more “life” happen to me, and maybe my approach is easier for others to take. I still feel a little awkward, yet I almost always have something to say. Even having done a bit of consulting, where I’m hired as a so called expert, it’s probably just all gone to my head. Doh!
Well, in the blogosphere, it’s usually a little more simple and fun. That’s been my experience over the past three years or so of my blogging life. People usually want a conversation, and usually are seeking input. Maybe that’s part of what makes it a little more comfortable for me. I still think it’s a slippery slope, and advice is best received when it makes the recipient feel lifted up and valued more, rather than criticized and somehow not as smart.
Filed under: Life, Perspective, Writing
That’s probably true, but I do appreciate constructive criticism too. I find I learn more from that, even though it usually isn’t as pleasant to receive.