We recently introduced a respected industry peer to a client: someone we genuinely thought could add value and fill a board role. But what followed was a classic case of opinion dressed as advice.
He meant well but didn’t ask enough questions. He didn’t take the time to understand the context, the years of work already done, or the direction we were heading. Unfortunately, the client listened – initially.
That misplaced guidance slowed momentum, caused confusion, and temporarily derailed a project we had carefully built over years. The flywheel we’d been steadily turning lost its rhythm, all because someone offered advice without the right insight or alignment.
We’ve received a lot of advice over the years, and still actively seek it out. We love advice, to hear people’s perspectives, and test whether we are missing something.
In all the advice we’ve received, this advice has served best and now serves as a “north star” in all our decisions:
Only take advice from people who:
1. Have achieved (at least twice) what you’re aiming to achieve,
2. Have successfully taught others (at least twice) what you’re trying to learn, AND
3. Genuinely have your best interests at heart & want to see you succeed.
The advice must fulfill ALL 3 points! – or it’s not advice, it’s opinion!
Knowing the difference, can save you years.