Perspective Vs. Suggestion

Suggestions often begin with a few anecdotes. They often tie to the trellis of directives people try to plant in your garden when asked for perspective.

Perspective not suggestion. I share my experience (perspective) or I tell you what I would do in your situation (suggestion). The difference? Intention. What do I hope for when I share with you? What are my intentions for our interaction? Do I want to convince you? Do I want to give you a lesson or share with you a piece of the puzzle I found along the way? Maybe it fits in your puzzle...or not. Either or or is up to you not me.

Clear, effective communication allows all parties to orient themselves within the exchange. Thus my responsibility is to know what my intention is prior to offering either my perspective or suggestion for your situation. Being clear as to my intended outcome prior to giving input to someone allows me to understand my boundaries (what I am willing to do not do) while offering appropriate support and resources to any person as they work to complete their puzzle.

Once I'm clear about my intentions for your situation I'm often freed to be a resource (perspective) for your journey as opposed to one more thinly-veiled directive (suggestion).

This is my suggestion, what's your perspective?