When a Coworker Keeps Giving You Unsolicited Advice

“Does it look like I have the words ‘suggestion box’ plastered on my forehead?” Dana* griped to me in our coaching session. Her colleague Ethan had yet again offered unsolicited input on her new business development initiative. As soon as she laid out her proposal, Ethan burst in with, “Have you considered an email marketing campaign?” and “This is definitely something you should partner with sales on!” Over time, his well-intentioned enthusiasm began to frustrate Dana. She hesitated to share her ideas with Ethan, guarding against unprompted input that often left her feeling undermined, not supported.