The Big Lessons Ignoring Professional Advice Taught These Coaches

Not every piece of professional advice is easy to accept the moment it’s received, especially if it challenges one’s instincts, ambitions or assumptions. Sometimes, the decision to reject or ignore well-intentioned advice leads to growth through further experimentation and deepening conviction. Other times, it later reveals blind spots and obstacles that could have been avoided with a clearer perspective or a little humility.

In any case, such moments of reckoning often shape how leaders approach decision-making, risk and mentorship moving forward. Below,  our founder Kathy Shanley joins fellow Forbes Coaches Council members to reflect on memorable times in their lives when they ignored professional advice they were given, what happened as a result and the lessons other leaders can take away from their experiences.

Skills Matter For Advancement, But So Do Relationships

Early in my career, I was told to “play the game” of office politics. It was good advice I ignored, believing my work would speak for itself. The outcome? I delivered strong results, but missed opportunities to influence decisions and build visibility. The takeaway: Skills matter, but so do relationships. Learn who influences decisions and build connections essential to advancing your career. - Kathleen Shanley, Statice