Make suggestions, but don’t impose solutions

Instead of jumping in with a direct solution to a problem someone is facing, it’s beneficial (in many ways) to suggest specific things they could do to generate a solution of their own.

Here are some examples of questions that offer suggestions rather than solutions:

• “Have you tried...?”
• “Have you considered...?”
• “Did you try approaching it from...?”

This will encourage people to think independently—empowering them to make their own decisions.