Here are a few qualities people keep in mind when looking for a consigliere:
THEY FOCUS ON WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU
Your advisor should be a person who isn’t thinking about what’s best for them. They are genuinely invested in giving advice that’s best for you. They listen. They ask questions. They will actively seek to understand your motivations and underlying interests before weighing in.
THEY ARE TRUSTWORTHY
Friedrich Nietzche wrote, "I'm not upset that you lied to me. I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you." Whoever it is you choose to count on, ensure they deliver on their promises, no matter how big or small. This needs to be a person you can really rely on. Someone who repeatedly shows your they truly have your back.
THEY ARE CREDIBLE
Many of us often look to people who will make us feel better or provide answers we want to hear. Instead, your advisor should be someone with expertise and an authoritative point of view. In other words, make sure the person knows what they are talking about when seeking counsel.
THEY THINK LONG TERM
They need to be is a big picture thinker – a person who will be able to aid you in exploring the long term perspective, not just focus on short term wins. By balancing both, they will be able to better guide you in the right direction.
THEY CONNECT WITH YOU
It’s hard to listen and trust someone if you are missing that critical connection. Whether it’s through stories, shared experiences, or just plain time spent together, invest in understanding each other’s beliefs and values systems. It’s fairly challenging to put your faith in someone’s advice when you are not connected at a core level.
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