Who Advises You?

The further I get into my career, the more I realize how much success is dependent on having strong, objective, trusted voices in your life to point you in the correct direction. On a certain level, I have always known this was a good thing. But the further I go, and the more I evolve, the more I realize that it is a lot more than just a good thing. It is a necessary thing.

Perhaps that voice is an unofficial, quiet mentor. Or perhaps it is an official one. Perhaps it is a trusted colleague. Perhaps, there are multiple voices that form a board, official or otherwise. Perhaps that voice is a family member or close friend. This voice can come in many forms.

Regardless of the form, a few characteristics are necessary. A valuable advisory voice needs to understand you, your strengths and weaknesses; needs to understand where you are trying to go; needs to have your best interests at heart; and needs to have a good sense of when you need to propped up with some confidence; or when you need a kick in the ass. Even the most perceptive, strategic people need other perspectives in their lives.

Why am I writing about this today? Simple… last night, The Latimer Group continued a long-standing annual ritual. We gathered our staff and our Board of Advisors together for a year-end annual review. We have had a Board since the earliest days of this company, and over the years I have relied on the group in a variety of ways. Sometimes I lean hard on the Board. Sometimes less hard. But the success of The Latimer Group has always been dependent, at least in part, on the presence of a group of smart, thoughtful, committed people who were available to share perspectives, answer questions, challenge assumptions, and provide a kind word or a push when necessary.

This year, the annual meeting was different… a 90 minute virtual meeting replacing our usual half-day conference and dinner. But regardless of the format, the value was the same, at least on my end. (I certainly owe the group that missed dinner at some point.) Our business, our team, and I all benefitted from having “outsiders” peer inside our business, and our heads, to share perspective.

We are rapidly approaching the end of the year, and there is a great deal of reflection that all of us can do… especially after a year like this. And one thing I would love to see you reflect on, is whether you have advisory voices in your life, professional or personal. Or if you do, whether you have the correct ones. I can’t stress this point enough… we all need trusted voices in our lives to help us stay on course. Regardless of what state your business or your career are in today, spend a few minutes and challenge yourself.