Advice Is a Gift and You Should Treat It That Way

There's no handbook on how to evaluate and process "suggestions" and "advice" from a boss or a mentor. But how you choose to act on these recommendations can make or break your career. Here's what to keep in mind:

I had a team of students working on an arcane customer problem. While they were quickly coming up to speed, I suggested that they talk to someone who I knew was an expert in the area and could help them learn much faster. In fact, starting in the second week of the class, I suggested the same person several times -- one-on-one, in class and in writing. Each time the various team members smiled, nodded and said, "Yes, we'll get right on it." Finally, eight weeks later when they were about to fly across the country to meet the customer, I reminded them again.