Stop 'giving' advice... Do this instead

Stop giving advice. Ask better questions instead. Shoutout to Michael Bungay Stanier @mbs_works for sharing with me this powerful framework! When someone comes to you with a problem, resist the urge to immediately offer solutions. Here's a framework that actually helps people grow: **Question 1: "What's on your mind?"** Let them talk. Don't interrupt. Just listen without using emotional or cognitive energy. **Question 2: "What else?"** After they pause, keep them going. There's usually more beneath the surface. **Question 3: "What's the real problem here?"** Make them distill everything they just said. Watch how they suddenly gain clarity on their own. **Question 4: "How can I help?"** Don't prescribe solutions. Let them identify what support they actually need. This approach uses zero cognitive capacity from you while teaching others to think independently. You're not solving their problems. You're building their problem-solving muscles. The best leaders don't have all the answers. They ask the questions that unlock answers in others. What's one situation where you could use this framework this week?