Why leaders should learn to value the boundary spanners
Entrepreneurial talent who work with other teams often run into trouble with their managers. Here are ways to get the most out of your ‘boundary spanners’...
Brain Circuits
6 benefits of building a robust advice network
Advice becomes more critical as your career advances. Here are six key benefits of building an effective advice network and tips on how to find your advisors.
1. Broaden perspective
An advice network introduces diverse viewpoints, helping you see issues from multiple angles and consider solutions you might overlook.
2. Enhance decision-making
Access to a variety of expert opinions can help you make more informed decisions.
3. Catalyze innovation
Exposure to different ideas and perspectives can spark innovation within the organization, leading to breakthrough solutions.
4. Mitigate risk
Advisors with specialized knowledge can help you navigate legal, financial, and operational risks more effectively.
5. Support personal growth
Interacting with diverse advisors challenges you to think differently and continually learn, fostering personal and professional development.
6. Provide emotional support
A network of trusted advisors can provide much-needed emotional support and a safe space to discuss challenges without judgment.
Understanding the different types of advisors
- Technical advisors provide expert analysis of cutting-edge technologies, global markets, and corporate strategies. These include in-house experts and external industry leaders, academics, and consultants.
- Political counselors help you deal with the complex relationships within your organization and with external stakeholders and serve as a sounding board for implementing significant changes.
Utilizing multiple sources
- Trusted family members and friends form a personal, portable network of invaluable emotional support and a grounding influence.
- External advisors such as executive coaches, mentors, and other professional consultants provide objective feedback and help you develop advanced leadership skills.
- Internal organizational advisors provide key general insights on the company’s culture and operations as well as specific insights into your current role.
Key learning
Integrating diverse perspectives through your advice networks helps you cultivate more innovative solutions and adapt better to dynamic market conditions.
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