It’s no coincidence successful Leaders have an external advisor. Whether the Head of the Family Business, or Prime Minister, powerful Leaders seek counsel from a trusted advisor. Discover why every Senior Leader should have at least one external business advisor…
Intro.
In the classic 1972 mafia film The Godfather, Don Vito Corleone had Tom Hagen as his trusted consigliere. In real-world politics, Boris Johnson famously had Dominic Cummings as his advisor.
While Johnson’s defence of Cummings during a controversial period raised eyebrows, it also underscored one key point:
Leaders value their advisors so highly, they’ll go to great lengths to protect them.
Regardless of opinions on their influence of, there’s no denying that trusted external advisors play a crucial role in the success of leaders.
So, in this article we’ll cover why every Senior Business Leader should have at least one external business advisor.
“successful leaders are self-aware, they recognise their strengths, but more importantly, they’re confident enough to acknowledge their weaknesses”
Weak leaders dictate; strong leaders empower
Weak leaders tend to surround themselves with “yes-men” (yes-people) who won’t challenge their ideas or decisions. This creates a stagnant culture, where innovation is stifled, and the business never moves beyond the status quo.
On the other hand, successful leaders are self-aware. They recognise their strengths, but more importantly, they’re confident enough to acknowledge their weaknesses. Instead of dictating from the top, they empower a diverse, cross-functional team to fill those gaps.
A great leader encourages collaboration, embraces challenge, and values a culture where team members can constructively push each other toward better decisions.
But a strong internal team isn’t enough.
“even when surrounded by a capable team, an outside perspective is invaluable”
The best leaders understand that their support network shouldn’t be limited to just their employees.
This specifically includes thier senior leadership or management team also.
It’s equally important to point out, there a certain situations, and organisational challenges, where a business leader simply can’t turn internally for advice.
Just as Tom Hagen wasn’t part of the Corleone family, and Dominic Cummings wasn’t a member of Johnson’s cabinet, both had significant influence over the success of the leaders they advised.
Every Leader needs at least one trusted external advisor
The fact is, the most successful leaders have external business advisors, coaches, or mentors. However, the reality is every leader needs at least one trusted external advisor.
Even when surrounded by a capable team, an outside perspective is invaluable.
Many leaders even engage multiple advisors.
Each specialising in different areas, to help solve different, specific, business and leadership challenges.
In todays dynamic business environment leaders are faced with an increasing number of business challenges.
in todays dynamic business environment, having an external, professional business advisor isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity
As a result, having an external, professional business advisor isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
“Being an MD can be a lonely place”
We get it. Being alone at the top can be daunting. As one of my clients once told me, “Being an MD can be a lonely place.”
As a business leader, there are often issues you can’t discuss with your team. You can’t always seek advice from your internal staff, especially during challenging times when everyone is looking to you for answers.
This is where an external advisor makes all the difference. They provide a confidential, safe environment where you can process complex issues without feeling vulnerable.
Free from the internal politics and agendas of senior management, an external advisor allows you to seek guidance, test new ideas, and refine strategies. All while maintaining your leadership presence.
Above all, a professional business consultant offers you companionship, in what can often be the isolating world of business leadership.
If you’re a Leader without an external advisor, consider getting one
If you’re a business owner or leader without an external advisor, now is the time to seriously consider getting one.
The right leadership support can accelerate your personal and business growth, while reducing the stress of decision-making. And most significantly improve your business success, and personal life.
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Having an external advisor gives you a sounding board for ideas.
A source of accountability, and most importantly, someone to lean on in difficult times.
There are countless professional consultants, coaches, and mentors available. A quick Google search will yield pages of options.
However, finding the right Business Consultant, one with the right blend of industry knowledge and hands-on experience can save you valuable time.
More importantly, with the support of the right external advisor you’ll you achieve faster results.
How we can help you
If you’re think you could benefit from engaging an external business advisor, we can help you. At Pyramid Resource Solutions, we have an extensive network of professional Business Consultants, Non-Exec Directors, Leadership Coaches and Interim Managers. All ready to support you and your business success.
So, if you’re ready to take your leadership, and business, to the next level, talk to us about your objectives. We’ll help you find the right external advisor, who will accelerate you reaching your business and personal goals.
This article has been updated from the original version posted on the 28 August 2020.