We all face problems at work. Some conflicts and stress are part of working life. And we all have our own ways of dealing with them. Some of us take direct action and confront the problem. Some of us wait for the time factor to sort things out.
But the situation gets more frustrating when a colleague tries to give advice in such situations. They share samples of what happened to them, how they emerged from their challenges and how you could do the same. Sometimes, the advice applies, but sometimes it does not.
Unsolicited advice, especially, can compound your stress. Particularly, from those kinds of colleagues who think they have becomes masters of work-life and are on the verge of penning a self-help book, and are trying the first chapter of advice on you.
Image Credit: Movie – The Big Bang Theory
Bijal Mehta, Senior Manager in a private bank says, “If the advice is avoidable, I ignore it with a smile. And when the situation is unavoidable, I ensure to show a mirror to the person to make them realise how it feels on the receiving side.”
So, what do you do when you are suffering from unsolicited advice from your coworkers?
“May I Get Back To You After Finishing This Work?”
If you are in a hurry to finish a task before a deadline, you can hint to let them know that you really don’t have the time for unwanted advice. Often, the person is genuinely trying to help you, but may forget to notice that you are in a hurry.
“I Appreciate Your Advice, But I Am Going To Take The Other Way.”
It is fine to disagree with someone’s opinion. But if you reject the idea completely, it may show you in an insensitive light. So, it is better to focus on the bigger picture, and let them know that you have already found a solution.
“It May Have Worked For You, But I Am Not Comfortable With It.”
It is also totally acceptable to reject advice that makes you feel uncomfortable. Your coworker may not be shooting out ideas just to put you in a bad place. They most likely genuinely care about you and your success. But it is also fine to let them know that you are not comfortable following their advice.
“I Don’t Think That’s A Good Idea.”
Sometimes when you know that the advice is completely unacceptable, it is better to come out and say it openly. If this person is a chronic advisor, he or she may realise to stop doing it. It is fine to show someone that you don’t value what they have to say about a certain subject.
Also, it is necessary to bear in mind that sometimes, the most unexpected advice may have solutions. So unless it is a coworker who keeps doing it and you have to set firm limits, it is better not to block the person out completely.
Read Also: How To Work With A Bossy Colleague
