We’ve all been there.  Someone wants to bounce an idea off of us, whether it’s about their career, their relationship, or what direction they should take.

In this moment, what comes out of our mouth will either get them closer or further away from their goal.  Here’s some tips to build them up, rather than shoot them down.

Ask Questions!

Show genuine interest in their idea.  Nothing crushes a dream faster than indifference or negativity.  The bottom line is we need three things from others; Acknowledgement, Affirmation, and Validation.  You are their sounding board, and sometimes all that they need is to let their ideas bounce around out loud, until they get clear about it.

Encourage the Dream!

Even if you think it’s a bad idea, that means that it’s bad for YOU, not necessarily THEM.  We all walk our own path, and people who love us support our ideas and encourage the possilbilities.

Don’t Curb Their Enthusiasm!

We need enthusiasm to spur us on, especially into unchartered waters.  Find ways to build that through, interest, questions and prompting.  Let them teach you something about their dream.

Help Them, Don’t Hinder Them!

Offer to help in any way that you can.  You may have a skill that will get them closer to their goal.  Chances are high that they will do the same for you  when the need arises.

We All Shine a Little Brighter When We Glow Together!