Sometimes I help clients the most when they disagree with my advice. More important than agreeing with me is that they come away with clarity on what they want and need through a rigorous discussion on the pros and cons of an issue or opportunity.
My job is to help make that happen. The best leaders want to be challenged by people they know to have their best interests at heart.
One of my closest friends in college, Shelly, asked me to help her make what she said was the most important decision of her life. She was dating three men, and each wanted to marry her. She asked me if I would help her make the right decision.
We spent an entire day together. Over and over, we discussed each candidate’s character and what life would be like for them as a couple.
I shared my view on who should be the lucky guy and why. My recommendations were to marry Bill, Tom was a close second, and John did not seem like a good choice. She thanked me and said, “I knew I could count on you to help me make the right decision.”
Two days later, she called and said, “I have wonderful news; I accepted John’s proposal, and the wedding will be in June.
Thank you so much for helping make what I’m sure is the right decision.”
It’s my hope they lived happily ever after.
Rich Russakoff