Over the years, you collect a lot of advice in business, some of it you forget almost immediately, and some of it quietly sticks with you and resurfaces exactly when you need it most.

Recently, I found myself reflecting on the pieces of advice that have genuinely shaped the way I work and respond to challenges. Two stand out in particular.

The first is simple, but powerful; take the emotion out of a challenging situation.

Easier said than done, of course. When something feels frustrating, unfair, or urgent, emotion naturally leads the way. But stepping back, even briefly, to separate feeling from fact can completely change the outcome. It allows clearer thinking, better decisions, and often stops a small issue becoming a much bigger one.

The second is something I’m still very much working on: knowing when to stop talking.

In business, especially in client conversations or problem-solving situations, there’s often a temptation to keep explaining, justifying or filling silence. But sometimes the most effective move is to pause, listen, and let the other person respond. It’s a skill that sounds simple, but in practice takes real discipline.

When I shared this conversation with others, it was interesting to hear the advice that has stayed with them too.

One was told: “To be a good manager, the only thing on your desk should be your feet.” A reminder that leadership is about stepping back, trusting your team, and not getting lost in the noise of day-to-day tasks.

Another shared something equally direct but incredibly relevant in today’s working world "don’t be afraid to remove or dismiss clients who take up most of your time but bring little reward". It’s a reminder that not every client relationship is the right fit, and protecting your time and energy is a business decision, not a personal one.

What all of these pieces of advice have in common is clarity, knowing when to step back, when to listen, when to let go, and when to protect your focus.

They’re not just useful in theory; they’re the kind of principles that quietly improve how you work every day.

And if I’m honest, I suspect the best advice is usually the kind that gently calls you out while still being true enough that you can’t ignore it.