Recently, I had a fascinating conversation with a case worker who helped families with disruptive teenagers. I asked, "How do you handle those situations?" He outlined a three-step process.

Assessment: What is going on in the home? What are the dynamics? Who is involved? What are the issues?
Build a relationship: Be an active listener. Show the family you care.
Earn the right to speak into their situation: Only after accomplishing steps one and two is the case worker ready to make suggestions.

I was convicted about how often I have been quick to prescribe solutions. It reminded me of how the Bible says we are to be "quick to hear and slow to speak."