Now I came across evidence which suggests that advice may also be not so beneficial for the person giving it: Advising someone to act in a certain way may make it less likely that you yourself will act in that way.
Quite surprising. But it does provide an explanation for a the situation of a doctor I once knew well was in. He seemed to do everything doctors are supposed to advice their patients to stay away from (heavy smoking, eating, drinking, not exercising, etc.).
Quite surprising. But it does provide an explanation for a the situation of a doctor I once knew well was in. He seemed to do everything doctors are supposed to advice their patients to stay away from (heavy smoking, eating, drinking, not exercising, etc.).
this was a very successful appetizer. I hope to read the article one day :-)
ReplyDeleteBut it makes me guess why an advisor (myself) would be at risk not to follow my own advice: Differentiating myself from the "problem-client" - I could be subconsciously tempted not wanting to do the same thing as the client? Could needing myself what I suggested to my client take away the feeling of being superior in status and therefore legitimate in the role of the paid consultant?
Now if my approach towards a client is from heart to heart, same status and perceiving him/her as expert in his/her solutionfinding I might be less at risk to sabotage my own good ideas if I offer them in a context of suggestions (=indirect advices) where appropriate e.g. in a brainstorm process - what do you think?
Cheers, Andre Perth/West Australia
Hi Andre, Thanks for your response. I hope to be able to post more information about this research soon.
ReplyDelete