Comments on: How to identify someone who is giving you bad advice

By: Seven Hills Regional User’s Group: 1st Biannual SHRUGinar « just the GISt of it

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:48:18 +0000

[...] and then they’ll offer up constructive criticism and advice. Receiving advice, even if its bad advice, is never a bad thing. People that give you advice are people who respect you enough to help you [...]

By: Alex Weber

Alex Weber — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:43:57 +0000

Hey, this was a great post! Thanks for that. Did you just give meta-advice (advice on giving advice)? LOL!

Thanks again.

By: apa plata » Blog Archive » Sfaturi

apa plata » Blog Archive » Sfaturi — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 05:40:02 +0000

[...] Cum sa-i identifici pe cei care-ti dau sfaturi proaste, de Penelope Trunk [...]

By: Surf’s Up: Creativity Links for July 7, 2008 « Creative Liberty

Surf’s Up: Creativity Links for July 7, 2008 « Creative Liberty — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:27:28 +0000

[...] Career maven Penelope Trunk has a cogent post on how to identify someone who is giving you bad advice, or, more accurately, the hallmarks of what constitutes someone who can give good [...]

By: Cathy Goodwin

Cathy Goodwin — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:46:38 +0000

I've struggled with this issue, both giving advice as a career consultant and getting advice when I wanted to change careers.

I would say agree with the comment to beware of unsolicited advice. Ignore anything you haven't asked for.

Secondly, I distinguish between information and advice. When you want to learn about a new field, get information from people who have been there. But don't let them give you advice.

Most people are clueless about how they reached their own successes (although they'll never admit it). Better to ask, "What's a typical day" type questions instead of, "What would you advise…"

Third, as other readers pointed out, you have to distinguish between a good/bad decision and a good/bad outcome.

Finally, if you hire someone for career consulting or coaching, ask directly, "How do you work?"

Some coaches believe they should encourage your dream, no matter what. Others believe they should give information and/or opinions. Some believe in the Law of Attraction. And so on.

By: Revue de presse | Simple Entrepreneur

Revue de presse | Simple Entrepreneur — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:35:56 +0000

[...] How to identify someone who is giving you bad advice Il est important de s'entourer, que ce soit pour monter une entreprise ou pour évoluer dans sa carrière professionnelle. Mais encore faut-il s'associer avec les bonnes personnes. Voici quelques conseils pour s'y retrouver (finalement assez évidents quand on y réfléchit). [...]

By: Dale

Dale — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:44:59 +0000

Most of the time we ask advice of people we feel comfortable with, as opposed to those who care for us or those who are subject matter experts. Now this is a perscription for disaster. Most people do not know you or care for you as a parent or sibling does, so they will not give your questions as much thought as a close (albeit subject matter inept) relative will.

Even worse, don't expect deep thought or expertise from coworkers or casual acquaintances! They neither know nor care;)

Choose advisors wisely and perhaps give your advisor the opportunity to think about your question overnight so as to add gravity to the situation. It works for me.

By: Peter Wootton

Peter Wootton — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:09:09 +0000

I'm sorry but in all intentions of positive criticism, I'm smart but this post has made little impact on me. If anything it has left me a little bemused. I have really enjoyed your other posts- especially the one on self promotion. There you hit the nail on the head. I am not fazed however and I will be adding you to my favourites lists. There is nothing more refreshing than reading what I consider to be unbiased intelligent literature. Thank you.

By: Carol

Carol — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:12:31 +0000

Penelope, how does this work with your "Don't do what you love" post? Have you changed your mind on that one?

I always thought that post was flawed – "I love sex but I don't want to be a prostitue" – because you can love more than one thing. I love cooking but I don't want to be a chef. I regularly hate computers but I absolutley love my job (IT technical consultant).

Maybe the best advice is "do what you love, but be realistic. If it's a highly competetive field then have a backup plan".

By: Kare Anderson

Kare Anderson — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:07:53 +0000

The way Ben leads those "juntos" exemplifies the advice you offered here. Have not seen Chris facilitate one. Re your last graph, commenter Jon Snitz might benefit from it