The Advice monster

Let's face it - we are well trained problem solvers. In fact, we are rewarded for it. Solving problems has become a reflex and now as a successful and sought after doctor, our advice is even showing up on Google reviews and social media – those little dopamine hits feel good.

It feels good to know the answers; to remember the CRI for Propofol, the dosage of an obscure drug that crops up in a conversation, that species of tick causing Alpha-gal - or to share your hard-won experiences during rounds. Giving advice-so far so good.

Introducing your Advice Monster (we all have one)

You are hurriedly completing your records from the last office visit and preparing for your next appointment. You are busy. The newly hired veterinarian has spotted you and is looking perplexed with a problem they need help with. Inwardly, your Advice Monster comes alive. After professing a few stellar bits of wisdom, you send your colleague away happy. Mission accomplished. Now where was I?

What may have happened

You were, once again, interrupted in the middle of your records and this could have cost you an extra 5-10 minutes. When listening to their problem you may have jumped to an early conclusion and given the solution to the wrong problem. And, as the expert Advice-giver, you now partially own this outcome.

The cost to your colleague

Easy advice can demotivate your colleagues’ learning and independence. Also, you have set yourself up as their ready source of information whenever they start to feel stuck. Dependency.

Next time, stay curious a little longer. Ask a question to allow your colleague to think on the case for themself. Sometimes they have not done this at all and they're just relying on you (watch out for this). It's OK to give advice but most people just need some direction and you are helping them to find their own answers. That is good leadership.

When you stay curious a little longer

You do not get completely sidetracked and can get back to your work. You have empowered your colleague to look for their own answer, you may have offered some suggestions on where to look for more information – and you can welcome them to share with you what they have figured out and how the case went. Win – win.

Reflection

Think about how often your Advice Monster shows up every shift at work. How much energy are you using that you could be devoting to your own work? With a little practice those 5–10-minute Advice detours can become more manageable. And maybe with the time you save you can start to leave work on time, records completed, and still feel that you are a supportive colleague.

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Reference: The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier 2020