How can you provide guidance without being controlling?

One of the fundamental ways to provide guidance without being controlling is by actively listening to the concerns, thoughts, and ideas of others. Active listening involves giving your full attention to the speaker, focusing on their words, and being present in the conversation. Maintain eye contact By making eye contact, you demonstrate that you are fully engaged and interested in what the person is saying. Avoid interruptions Allow the person to express themselves fully without interrupting. This shows respect and allows them to feel heard. Paraphrase and reflect Summarize what the person has said to show that you understand their perspective. This also helps to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. Finally ask follow up questions.

By fostering an open and supportive environment, you encourage individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of judgment or criticism. When providing feedback, it is crucial to focus on specific behaviors or actions rather than criticizing the individual as a whole. Instead of dictating what should be done, provide constructive suggestions and alternatives. It is important to provide feedback in a timely manner, so individuals can reflect on their actions while the situation is still fresh in their minds. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and growth by embracing feedback yourself and acknowledging your own mistakes.

Encouraging team members to visualise and articulate their own aspirations and the best version of themselves is a powerful exercise. It not only empowers them to identify their strengths and areas for growth but also provides a clear roadmap for achieving their professional goals. By involving them in this self-assessment and goal-setting process, you create a sense of ownership in their development journey. It also enables you, as a manager, to offer more targeted support and guidance, aligning resources, mentorship, and training to help them become the person they aspire to be. This collaborative approach can be a significant catalyst for personal and professional growth within your team.

In some way, shape, or form you’ve been in their shoes. We must speak to them as we’re speaker to our younger selves. Pay attention to the or words, body language, and any other clues that tell you more about them and the situation and circumstance that they are in. Guidance has nothing to do with control and if the coaching, training, or mentoring is leading more towards controlling we may not be ready to give guidance in that area. Guidance is like pointing to a pathway but with proper wisdom you’ve gain and the option to learn more helping the person with the emphasis on helping them. If we keep the goal for the other person in mind, take in the possible factors that may be challenging towards them, we can then learn to be better daily.