Unsolicited preaching and professing

I have been conscious of the fact that my unsolicited opinions and suggestions to professional and family group members can be viewed differently by different individuals, based on their own interests and priorities. I am lucky that while many (?) of them are appreciative of my relentless ‘preaching and professing’, those who may not be appreciative have not asked me to ‘shut up’ even when requested to be frank and give feedback.

Having shared my views with a small group recently and not having received even acknowledgement, made me thinking.

I have otherwise developed that much touted (by none other than Lord Krishna) साक्षीभाव and निष्काम कर्मभाव, and started practicing stoicism as taught by   Epictetus; who famously articulated the concept of the "Dichotomy of Control" which distinguishes between what is within our power and what is not, emphasizing the importance of concentrating on the former.

Still habit of looking back and evaluating own performance at times creates doubts about the need to do what I am doing and the way in which I am doing.

I looked for wisdom in public domain with the help of intelligent tool. The hypothesis needed corroboration and I needed to be wiser.

My question was:

I have developed a habit of helping individuals and the organization i am attached with, with an objective of continuous learning and improvement, even when no one has sought such help or advice. I have, based on experience, arrived at a hypothesis that "The most non-offensive way of asking someone like me, preaching and professing in a business organization is to ignore him, do not react or respond." Can you find support to this hypothesis? And if yes what should be my approach going forward? Kindly help me with quotes to support your advice.

And the words of wisdom AI Bot extracted from information in public domain are:

Your approach of continuous learning and improvement is commendable. It's often challenging to find the best way to share knowledge and insights, especially in a business environment. Let's break down your hypothesis and find some wisdom to support or refute it.

Support for Ignoring as a Non-Offensive Strategy

1.      Cognitive Load Theory: Sometimes, individuals may already be dealing with a significant amount of information and may find additional advice overwhelming. Ignoring in this context can be a way to manage their cognitive load without offending the advisor. "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge." — Stephen Hawking

2.      Psychological Reactance Theory: People tend to resist when they feel their freedom to choose is being threatened. By ignoring, individuals might feel they are maintaining their autonomy. "Resistance to unwanted advice can stem from the instinct to preserve autonomy." — Anonymous

3.      Social Dynamics: In some cultures or social settings, indirect communication is preferred to avoid conflict. Ignoring can be seen as a way to maintain harmony. "Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to ignore it and let it solve itself." — Anonymous

Alternative Approaches

1.      Soliciting Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback on your advice and presentation style. This can help you understand how others perceive your inputs and adjust accordingly. "Feedback is the breakfast of champions." — Ken Blanchard

2.      Building Trust and Relationships: Invest time in building genuine relationships. People are more receptive to advice when it comes from someone they trust and respect. "Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication." — Stephen R. Covey

3.      Tailoring Communication: Adapt your communication style to fit the preferences of your audience. Some may prefer direct advice, while others might appreciate a more subtle approach. "The art of communication is the language of leadership." — James Humes

Going Forward

·        Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to how individuals react to your advice. Adapt your approach based on their responses.

·        Be Empathetic: Understand the challenges and perspectives of others. Empathy can help you frame your advice in a way that resonates better.

·        Encourage Openness: Foster an environment where feedback and advice are welcomed and seen as opportunities for growth.

It’s always a balancing act between offering helpful insights and respecting others' space. Your intention to continuously learn and improve will undoubtedly guide you towards finding the right approach.”

I am sharing this to let you all know that I am not going to stop my crusade (!) I will certainly keep the words of wisdom in sight before feeling offended. I am also sharing with you my learnings to enable you handle dilemma like the one i have faced as you grow old, more effectively.

I would love to receive your candid views, feedback and suggestions to help me succeeding in my mission.