How many times have you been given advice from someone who starts off with…If I were You! ?  

I am sure it has happened to you more than once.  

If you are a business owner you have heard this phrase several hundred times.  I am not sure of what the context would be that follows the phrase..If I were you…but I would assume it was probably thought of as an awesome idea…right?

Over in the social world I know somewhere on Facebook some dude is telling his buddy..Dude, if I were You…I jump on that deal.

Of course, the parental advice so many of us got during our teenage years with your dad saying…If I were you…I would straighten my act up before it is too late. 

How about those friendly chats with your boss where they tell you..If I were you…I’d put in a transfer before it is too late.

Yes, the phrase..If I were you…has been around for a long long time.  

Fortunately, the meaning of..If I were You... is purely a positive statement someone is making who is obviously attempting to put themselves in someone’s position and making that decision as them or taking that advice that is being given.  There is nothing wrong with someone role playing.  

What you have to watch out for is what is said after the phrase.  If what follows is said by a consultant, then it is kinda expected for them to put themselves in your position.  In some cases, like myself, they may have been in your position before, as a business owner or operations director.  In that case, hearing how they would make a decision as you could lead to a new understanding of what you should being doing in your position.

I know I have probably told clients..If I Were You…a number of times over the years.  That is all part of how I pass on my experience.

Most of the time, great advice always comes immediately after someone says..If I were You!…So..If I were You, I’d listen.

Let me know how I can help.