Do you want a coach or tactics?

I recently asked a senior colleague for some advice on how to handle a tricky problem.

We only booked a 15 minute meeting, so after I gave them the context they asked, “so, do you want some coaching—where I ask you questions and you figure out the answers—or do you want tactics?”

“Well, the purist in me wants the coaching, but we’ve only got 10 minutes left, so let’s go with tactics,” I replied.

I learnt two things that day:

1. Most people are quick to offer tactics—the “this is how you should do it” advice. Few take the coaching approach. And almost no one gives you the option. It gave me a new way to think about offering advice and support to others I work with.
2. In this situation, I don’t regret asking for tactics because there was no time for coaching. But if time permits, it’s better to opt for coaching—the lessons stick around longer when you’ve worked for them.