The definition of "pick one’s brain" is: to get information about something by asking someone who is an expert or who has a lot of information. "pick one’s brain" means.
Full Answer
What does the phrase 'pick your brain' mean?
pick someone's brain, to. To gather information or ideas from someone who is presumably more expert or more imaginative. This analogy to picking clean a bone or carcass dates from the mid-nineteenth century. “Do you possess the art of picking other people’s brains,” wrote clergyman Benjamin Jowett (1817–93).
What to do when people want to pick your brain?
- …here’s someone else you might consider hiring.
- …I’ll be at [event or conference] next month. I’d love to connect with you there.
- …I’d be happy to answer your most pressing question over email.
What is another word for pick your brain?
- I’d like to draw on your experience
- I’d like to learn from your prior work
- I’d really appreciate your perspective
- I would benefit from your viewpoint
- Your background would be very helpful
- Your experiences would be insightful
- I could use your help in understanding
- It would help me to see your perspective
- I’d like to ask you some questions
Should you let people pick your brain?
Let him pick your pick brain, because two things will come out of it. You’ll feel better about yourself because giving is always better than getting. That’s your humanitarian and benevolent side. You’re a good person. And you care about others. This is doing something nice. You’ll get your money in the end.
Can I pick your brain means?
: to talk to someone in order to get helpful information or advice Do you have a moment? I need to pick your brain about a little situation that has come up.
Can I pick your brain synonym?
I'd really appreciate your perspective. I would benefit from your viewpoint. Your background would be very helpful. Your experiences would be insightful.
Is pick your brain offensive?
1. Don't ask to “pick my brain.” When you ask to pick somebody's brain, you are essentially asking (often a stranger) if you can extract value without adding any value. It can feel very transactional and dehumanizing, as if it's just the brain you want, rather than to build a relationship with a real person.
How do you answer Can I pick your brain?
Next time you get a pick-your-brain request, you could say something like: “My work schedule is packed and lunch/coffee isn't possible, but I could see us working together on this.
How do you pick a girl's brain?
How to Ask to Pick Someone's Brain—Without Being AnnoyingSoften Them Up. Obviously, people are generally more willing to help a friend for free than a stranger. ... Don't Suggest a Coffee Date. ... Say How Much Time You Need (and Don't Ask for Much) ... Make Your Ask Really Specific. ... Be Grateful.
Where did the phrase pick your brain come from?
pick someone's brain, to To gather information or ideas from someone who is presumably more expert or more imaginative. This analogy to picking clean a bone or carcass dates from the mid-nineteenth century. “Do you possess the art of picking other people's brains,” wrote clergyman Benjamin Jowett (1817–93).
How do you use brain pick in a sentence?
I'm always amused by who's willing to pick your brain. ... She doesn't have that 'I want to pick your brain' thing. ... He loves to ask questions, pick your brain a little bit on stuff. ... "If I could just pick your brain: What do you think of the candy-bar style?" Mermelstein asked.More items...
How do you respond when someone asks you to do something?
Saying "I was just about to start" can be interpreted as "Stop asking me to do things. I know what's important better than you and if you had given me the chance, I would have done what you wanted." Even if that's what you really mean, you have to say it carefully. I usually say something like "Sure.
pick (one's) brain (s)
To ask one questions in order to obtain detailed information or advice. You should pick John's brain sometime. He knows all about car engines. I've just started playing professionally, and I'd love to pick your brains for any tips you might have.
pick someone's brain (s)
Fig. to talk with someone to find out information about something. I spent the afternoon with Donna, picking her brain for ideas to use in our celebration. Do you mind if I pick your brains? I need some fresh ideas.
pick someone's brain
Obtain ideas or information from another person, as in I'm out of ideas for decorating-let me pick your brain. This term alludes to picking clean a carcass. [Mid-1800s]
pick someone's brain
If you pick someone's brains or pick their brain, you ask them for advice or information. I'd like to pick your brains about something. Nothing urgent. She, in turn, picked my brains about London as she was thinking about a trip to England. He has helped me enormously over the last few years.
pick someone's brain, to
To gather information or ideas from someone who is presumably more expert or more imaginative. This analogy to picking clean a bone or carcass dates from the mid-nineteenth century. “Do you possess the art of picking other people’s brains,” wrote clergyman Benjamin Jowett (1817–93). For picking one’s own brain, see cudgel one’s brains.
Start with a positive tone
The way you initiate the conversation is everything. Instead of starting with, “Can I pick your brain,” shift the language to a more positive tone.
Come prepared with specific details
As you move further into the conversation, it’s important to clearly define the problem. Otherwise, you’re doing what I like to call a “bait-and-switch.”
Ask the right person
Several field studies have discovered that advice seekers are more likely to ask for guidance from people they feel comfortable with, like a close friend or family member.
Be grateful
It should go without saying, but based on my experience, I still feel the need to emphasize it: Be grateful.
Know your intentions
Dorie Clark, adjunct professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and the author of “ Entrepreneurial You ,” said asking to pick someone’s brain has become overused to the point of thoughtlessness. Done wrong it almost certainly sends the wrong message, she said, and these requests can seem as if you’re following a generic script.
Mind your manners
Adam Grant wants to help the people who contact him. However, the organizational psychologist, Wharton professor and author of “ Give and Take ” receives dozens of brain-picking requests every week. It’s just not feasible to speed mentor everyone who drops him a line. (By the way, Dr.
Adjust your expectations
People who receive a high volume of these types of networking requests usually have a screening process in place. Expect light homework, deferrals, referrals or delays in response to a cold email asking to pick their brain.
Ace the meeting
Jolie Kerr, advice columnist and host of the Ask a Clean Person podcast, suggests you treat the meetup as if it were a job interview. Showing up with a prepared list of targeted, thoughtful questions is “a really good way to not waste someone’s time and make sure you get everything that you need,” she said.
Stick the landing
At the conclusion of the meeting, thank the person for taking the time to get together.
A better approach
If you’ve inadvertently made the gaff of asking, “Can I pick your brain?” don’t worry. There are several ways to correct your approach.
14 Ways To Ask And Respond To The Question: Can I Pick Your Brain?
I’ll share with you here a number of ways you can respond, some which might even turn into a way to get paid for your knowledge.
