Fishing for Advice

In class last week we talked about communication skills.  The major component that we focused on was knowing when to give advice and knowing when to go beyond advice giving, and help someone come to a conclusion on their own.  I think that this skill is definitely an asset to have, because like the book says, "advice giving is easy."  It requires less time commitment, demands less personal energy, and fewer interpersonal skills.  While in certain situations advice giving may be appropriate, interpersonal communication is much more helpful.

This lesson reminded me of the quote, "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime. Giving a man a fish is a lot like advice giving.  Giving advice means that you have the knowledge and resources to do so.  The people receiving the advice and the fish really didn't do much work to gain them, as they were handed over.  The fish may be eaten and the advice may be taken, but eventually the man will go hungry and the same person will seek advice again.  However, teaching a man to fish is a lot like interpersonal communication.  By guiding someone through a challenge or personal issue, you will be teaching them a life skill.  With enough help a person can learn to look deep into themselves and see what the issue is that needs solving, and be able to find or reach the resources they need to move forward.  


Personally, I believe there is nothing wrong with throwing a few fish to the crowd now and then, but I would much rather pass on my fishing skills and teach people to fend for themselves.