Seeking and giving advice are central to good decision making. Those who are truly open to guidance (and not just looking for validation) develop better solutions to problems than they would have on their own.  Advice seekers and givers must clear significant hurdles. Giving and seeking advice can derail in many ways and getting it wrong can have damaging consequences—misunderstanding and frustration, decision gridlock, subpar solutions, frayed relationships, and thwarted personal development—with substantial costs to everyone involved.