When someone comes to you and shares an experience you can sometimes fly straight into fix-it mode, after all, that’s what we do, right? We’re fixers. Doers. Problem solvers.
But what if they really wanted was someone to listen?
It’s difficult to stop yourself from doing this, especially if you feel like that’s why they’re speaking with you. But on some of these occasions, they don’t need you to fix the problem, they might just need a listening ear.
The best way to find out exactly what they want from you at that moment is to ask.
Before jumping in to fix something and offer your unsolicited advice, stop and ask them this:
‘What would you like from me?’
This allows you to understand if they are seeking your advice or if they just want someone to listen to them.
