As a teacher, coach and friend people often think that my job is to support others and offer advice. And they’d be right but I’m not always Mr. Nice.
In fact, I often play devil’s advocate.
I have found that most people who come up with “great” ideas are often not so great.
I’ve also learned that most people don’t have the dedication to make something a reality.
People have big mouths, but often end up eating their words.
They’re full of big dreams and ideas that often end up going nowhere.
Anyone who knows me knows that I tell it like it is and often don’t pull any punches.
I do try and choose my words carefully and offer up constructive advice but when people are paying me for my opinion then I feel that I should give it to them – good or bad.
I don’t want to trample on anyone’s dream but I do want to give them a dose of reality.
When people have their heads in the clouds it’s easy to overlook just how big the fall can be.
I want to bring people a little closer to earth so that if things do end up going south that the blow isn’t quite as painful.
I’m more than happy to eat humble pie if my fears turn out to be unwarranted.
Warnings, whether we choose to heed them or not, are valuable because they shine light on things we may not have thought of before.
Unfortunately, regardless of what they say, people often don’t want to hear the negative side.
I know I didn’t and paid the price.
I ignored the advice of my wife twice and each time there were dire consequences.
I ignored the advice of my father and again the result was disaster.
Never again.
We should welcome the people who are willing to give it to us straight, both positive and negative.
So the next time someone is offering their critique of your business or product, be willing to listen.
One day, you’ll be glad you did.
Adrian Shepherd