Michael Sorensen

I know people who have literally saved negotiations that were six-figure deals that were about to be lost simply because they stepped in and validated the other party first before negotiating.

It helps people be more open to your feedback and your advice.

It helps you deepen your relationships.

I get email after email, letter after letter of people who say,

Literally, this saved my marriage of 5, 10, 20, 50 years.

Something this simple.

So first, obviously, you have to understand the benefit that can come.

But then once you understand that, really, it's simple to start.

For people who are struggling, I say just try to not give feedback or advice right away.

Just pause.

Try one validating statement before you jump into advice because it makes a huge difference.

Oh, yeah, you're absolutely right.

I like to hone in on advice as sort of a shortcut, if you will.

You know, somebody saying, well, what's the quickest way?

Because most of us default to giving advice.

But you're absolutely right.

The most damaging aspect is the dismissing of an emotion.

And that's what jumping into advice does right away.

We just might not see that.

Right.