Tip of the month, Inside Track, January 2010
Choosing your trusted advisor
I note from his latest blog that David Maister has just announced he’s retiring this month after 30 years in the field and after receiving the Carl Sloan Award for Excellence in Management Consulting. He’s a highly respected guru of our profession and, although a tireless self-promoter (check out his website www.davidmaister.com()), his pearls of wisdom are ones that all consultants learn from.
One theme that he consistently returns to is that of the ‘trusted advisor’. In my view it provides the model for what all consultants should be – internal and external – but it is also a useful guide for senior leaders who need that ‘trusted advisor’ alongside them to help them see the world as it really is.
So, with all credit to the Maister guru himself, here are a few simple questions to check that you are choosing the right person for this important role:
- Do you have a trusted advisor (in any aspect of your professional or personal life)?
- What are the characteristics of that person? (i.e. observe what works for you)
- Do they help you see things from a fresh perspective?
- Do they help you think things through?
- Do they do things to show they care about you?
- Do they tell you the honest truth – and are able to criticise you gently?
- What do they do to earn your trust?
