WomenCo.

Your question, Rasika, reminds me of something someone said to me recently:

I once read that you can tell what you want to do by looking at who you go to for advice.  You'll always go to the person who will tell you what you want to hear.  I must admit, I have observed that it holds true for me.  But, knowing that, I can guard against undue influence.

I use the technique of writing down "pros" and "cons" and "risks" and "benefits" before making up my own mind.   And I try to recognize that important decisions come with risk.  I might make the wrong decision.  If I do, what are the consequences and what will it take to "regroup?"  

I still do ask a wide variety of friends and family for their thoughts though.  And I research decisions by asking people who have already done what I'm thinking of doing for their insight.  But I've also learned that there are certain people whose opinions, I need to be careful with because I tend to overvalue their opinions. 

I've learned that I can be susceptible to allowing others to "poison my mind."  Especially when someone who I know and like tells me their experience of a third person.  I can guard against that now that I have seen how easily influenced by friends I can be.  Now I follow what my Dad always advised:  "Speak as you find."  Meaning, form your own opinions based on your own personal experience--especially when evaluating other people, like bosses and co-workers. 

Until you brought up this issue, Rasika, I had not put a lot of thought into all the things I've learned in this area of my life.  Thanks for giving me pause to ponder.... 

The problem with advice, I think, is that everyone has an opinion -- you can have advice overload. Often the best way to gauge whether someone is offering really informed advice is when they listen more than they speak. If they hear you out, then offer advice, it's probably better than someone who offers advice without really contemplating what issues you're really facing.