MICHAEL BUNGAY STANIER: The Problem With Having the Answers

MICHAEL BUNGAY STANIER: The Problem With Having the Answers

From The Double Win by Michael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt-Miller

December 3, 2025 · 1h 7m · Season 3 · Episode 44

About this episode

Michael Bungay Stanier discusses the pitfalls of giving advice too quickly and offers strategies for better listening and coaching.

Why do leaders jump so quickly to giving advice? And why does it so often backfire? In this episode, Michael Bungay Stanier explains why the “advice monster” is one of our biggest leadership liabilities—and how seven simple questions can help you listen better, coach smarter, and build stronger connections. Filled with humor, story, empathy, and practical scripts, this episode is a masterclass in everyday leadership. Memorable Quotes “When you ask a question and they actually have to think about it, you're literally creating new neural pathways in their brain—or at least they're creating their own neural pathways—so they're literally becoming smarter right in front of you.” “More deeply than an ‘answer,’ much of the time people want to feel deeply heard, deeply seen, and deeply encouraged. And your ‘answer’ often means they feel less seen, less heard, and less encouraged.” “One of the great moments of claiming adulthood is being clear on what you want to say ‘yes’ to—and knowing that inevitably you have to say ‘no’ to things to get that.” “Every time you jump in with your ideas and your opinions and your advice—particularly if it's your default reaction—you’re basically…

People in this episode

Hosts: Michael Hyatt, Megan Hyatt-Miller

Guest: Michael Bungay Stanier

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • coaching
  • listening skills
  • advice
  • neural pathways

Keywords

  • leadership
  • advice monster
  • coaching
  • listening
  • neural pathways
  • empathy
  • connections

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