More Useful Self-Appraisal Questions

If you want to become a Trusted Strategic Advisor

These questions will help you candidly self-assess whether or not you really have what it takes or even the desire to become a Trusted Strategic Advisor. Or, assess how far along you may already be on the path to becoming a Trusted Strategic Advisor.

Will I have the personal discipline to prepare myself to fulfill the five imperatives of the Trusted Strategic Advisor relationship?

Jettison staff-based assumptions.
See the whole board.
Tolerate constructive ambiguity but strive for certainty.
Maximize your prerogatives.
Develop real expertise beyond your staff function.

2. Do I have the stomach for the intense, conflict-ridden, and often confrontational environment in which serious decisions are made at the highest levels of organizations?

3. Can I dispassionately assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, options, and threats to an organization from a variety of useful perspectives?

4. What is my real operating expertise, beyond my area of staff knowledge, that I bring to those who lead or run the organizations I serve?

5. Will I commit to mastering the seven disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor and harness their power for my success and of those I advise?

6. What is my answer to the question, “Why should the boss listen to me?”

LINKS:

The Seven Disciplines of the Trusted Strategic Advisor

The Three Minute Drill

Five Imperatives of the Trusted Strategic Advisor