When giving and receiving advice is done well, both parties benefit. People
who truly want advice, not just confirmation, broaden their perspective
and can conquer biases and self-serving motivations. Those giving advice can
have the joy of knowing their opinion is valued and they have truly helped
another. It is important to realize that at work there are different types of advice.

Solicited advice. Sometimes you just need another’s perspective of either your
situation or what you should do. Remember if you solicit advice, the giver
may expect you to take it!

Sounding Board advice. This is when you are not seeking any suggestions but
really just want someone to listen to you as you talk it out. Realize your listener may
feel compelled to share their opinion for what you should do, especially if you
haven’t told them that you just need a sounding board.

Unsolicited advice. This is when a well-meaning “adviser” notices a situation and feels compelled to give you their opinion. You didn’t ask for it and it may be
neither desired nor relevant. However, just because it wasn’t solicited, doesn’t mean
that it can’t help.

Big picture advice. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own piece of the
puzzle that we need someone else to provide a broader context and perspective so we can see how it all fits together.

Job advice. Should I stay or leave? Should I apply for the open position?
Realize that you’re dependent on information you have received from the advice seeker, which might be inaccurate and/or biased.

Office politics advice. This might be guidance in how to best handle different people and personalities. Beware! The advice giver may be biased and base
their advice on their own personal experiences. Especially if it is unsolicited, it
may in fact be gossip and it is important to make your own assessment.