Being asked your opinion (in my opinion) is one of the greatest privileges we have in this economy, in our tribes and in our relationships.
So many, however, fail to elevate an idea, to inspire the one who asked for their help and to…well, help.
The one asking for help doesn’t want to know who you think they should be switching their target to. They don’t want to know why they should open up on the other side of town instead of where they have in mind. They don’t want to know what you would do if you were in their shoes (even if that’s how they ask).
What they want to know is how they can make their idea work.
There’s an ol’ improv practice called “yes, and.” The premise is you listen and agree with whatever the person before you said and you build from it.
You don’t say they were wrong, you don’t change the subject and you definitely don’t kill the idea.
You run with it, you can elevate it, you share a perception of how the idea can improve without changing anything that has already been decided.
Sure, you’re asked for your help, but you’re not asked to share a right and wrong way of doing something; you’re asked to share how this way could be better or how it could work.
Stay Positive & Making A U-Turn Is Dangerous, Anyway
Photo credit
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