"Work on your tone. Often ideas are rejected because of the tone of voice they are wrapped in. Humility covers many blemishes."

Kevin Kelly's advice is spot on, whether it's about delivering feedback to a colleague or life advice to a family member or friend.

I've been on both ends of this experience.

I've seen the person in front of me retract and be dismissive of my ideas when I've come at them too strong or as a know-it-all and have unknowingly made the other person feel less than.

I, too, have armoured myself into a defensive mode when I've felt the other person's tone to be condescending regardless of how good their ideas were.

The packaging matters.

Over the years, I've refined my idea and advice delivery to a "your mileage might vary" approach.

Instead of acting like I have the solution to everyone's problems, I prefer leaving advice in this format:

"Hey, here's an idea or practice that has worked well for me. If you're in the same boat, why don't you give it a try?"

If your ideas are being shot down by others, try analysing your delivery to see if you're coming off too strong.

People do judge a book by its cover, and the wrapping paper of your ideas works the same way.

Now, speaking of good ideas, have you seen Katie's newsletter yet?

Before you move on to the rest of this newsletter issue, here are a few words from: