The Art of Advice: How to Give It and How to Take It
Since almost everyone gives advice now and then, almost anyone might profit from Salacuse's insights into giving and receiving counsel. Comparing advice giving to the medical profession and relating modern advisers to the oracles of ancient Greece, Salacuse points out that there is more to advising than spouting off about how you'd handle someone else's affairs. Giving good advice requires some empathy between adviser and advisee. There also needs to be a clear understanding of when the advising process ends and precisely what constitutes a legitimate area for advice. Salacuse comes to his subject from a background of teaching judges, lawyers, business executives, diplomats, and others involved in professionally giving advice, and his book lays open the process and philosophy of advice for the nonprofessional. Its narrative flavor and anecdotes make it entertaining as well as educational.Mike Tribby