What does it mean if someone asks for your advice and then ignores the answer? What can you do about this situation?
If someone asks for your advice and then ignores it, there can be a few possible reasons behind their behavior:
1. They may have already made up their mind: Sometimes, people seek advice simply to validate their own preconceived notions or choices. They may have already decided on a particular course of action and are looking for confirmation rather than genuine guidance.
2. They may feel overwhelmed or unsure: The person seeking advice may be feeling overwhelmed with too many opinions or confused about what to do. In such cases, they may struggle to make a decision and end up disregarding advice altogether.
3. They may lack trust or confidence in your advice: It's possible that the person asking for advice doesn't fully trust your expertise or judgment. They might seek multiple opinions and selectively choose the advice that aligns with their own beliefs or preferences.
In such situations, it's important to remember that you can only offer guidance; it is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether to accept and act upon it. Here are a few suggestions on what you can do in this situation:
1. Accept the outcome: Understand that you have done your part by offering your advice, and it is now up to the person to decide how to proceed. Remember that everyone has the right to make their own choices, and it's not necessarily a reflection of your abilities or expertise.
2. Communicate openly: If you feel frustrated by the person repeatedly seeking your advice and ignoring it, you can have an open and honest conversation with them. Share your observations and feelings, expressing that you are there to support them but would appreciate knowing whether they genuinely want your advice or simply need a sounding board.
3. Adjust your approach: Reflect on how you provide advice and ensure that it is offered in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. Understand that people have different decision-making styles, and some may prefer to gather information and perspectives rather than follow specific advice.
4. Focus on active listening: When someone seeks your advice, make sure to actively listen to their concerns, values, and goals. By understanding their perspective fully, you can tailor your advice to better align with their needs and increase the likelihood of them considering and valuing your input.
5. Let go of attachment: Detach yourself from the outcome and any expectations you may have regarding your advice being followed. Recognize that everyone has their own journey, and your role is to offer guidance, not control their choices.
Remember, offering advice is a generous act, but its acceptance or rejection is beyond your control. Focus on providing support and understanding, even if the person ultimately decides not to take your advice.
Dinesh Shastri