More often than I’d like, I don’t immediately have an answer when someone is looking for help. Actually, this turns out to be a help in itself.

I listen, actively. I try to re-frame the problem if appropriate, gaining clarity on the key points and cutting through any noise. Very often, this is enough. The conversation has been the help and we both go away having learned something.

The conversation happens because I don’t have a solution ready – preventing me jumping in when there’s more to uncover. I have to listen, and that can be the biggest help.

Kindly, listen carefully.