When engaging in initial conversations with new acquaintances, don't be so quick to list one's job title, education, and accomplishments. Research suggests that this approach may not be as effective as previously thought.
The students had three communication options:
- Saying, "Hey, can you give me any advice?"
- Saying, "Hey, I hope you did well."
- Saying nothing at all.
Predictably, students evaluated based on accuracy eagerly asked for advice. However, those rated on how good of an impression they made were less than half as likely to ask for help; they were afraid they wouldn’t look competent.
Yet when students were paired with a partner that was either neutral or asking them for advice, they had a higher opinion of the advice seeker. They figured that the person who asked for their advice must be quite clever — in part because it’s flattering to be asked for help.
In other words, people tend to think: "They were smart to ask for my advice because I am smart."
The findings align with a thesis found in the book "NEXT! The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work," by Joanne Lipman. Discussions with social psychologists shed light on the most effective means of forging connections. Asking for advice or seeking guidance, studies show, enhance the perception of one's intelligence.
Also Read: To Make A Real Connection, Asking 'How Are You?' Doesn't Work: Here's What Does
Here are a few important points on how to be an excellent advice seeker.
Now Read: What Makes Us Happy In Life? This Is What A Harvard Study Says
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Werner Heiber from Pixabay
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