Partner External Advice with Internal Wisdom | Accelerate Success with Lorraine Moore

One need look no further than Amazon, YouTube or the shelves at a bookstore to recognize the massive consumer demand for self-help. This is not a new phenomenon. I’m OK, You’re OK, How to Listen So Kids Will Talk and Talk so Kids Will Listen, and many others were popular decades ago. What has changed is the volume of advice available to us through a wide variety of media.

Some of my favourite work is advising senior executives and owners of public, private, for-profit and not-for-profit businesses on work, life and running their companies.

Much of our discussions are strategic and centre around how best to respond to changing external factors including regulation, the escalation in AI and other technology, political shifts, populist shifts, the war on talent, etc. Other discussions focus on strengthening performance through creating greater accountability in their companies, improving profitability, marketing, retention, succession, and developing more leadership capability.

Business leaders are interested in learning what approaches are being taken within other industries, other geographies and by other successful companies or individuals. The smartest executives willingly park their egos to learn from the wisdom and success of others. Often, the wisdom also resides within. My greatest assistance may be to validate the path they are taking, the decisions they are contemplating, or the choices they are inclined to make.

Recently I read a blog that prompted the reader when making a decision to ask their future 5-year or 10-year self. It resonated with me as a highly sensible approach. It reminded me of a technique I read about several years ago. Suzy Welch suggested that when faced with a personal or business decision, ask yourself, “Will this matter in 10 minutes, 10 months and 10 years?” I later applied this technique to provide perspective and to rapidly arrive at the heart of a matter.

I was faced with a decision. Do I reschedule some commitments in order to promptly fly across the country and lend in-person support to people I care deeply about? Or do I honour prior commitments to clients and friends and offer support via phone, email, text, etc. until I would be in Ontario, in-person 6 weeks hence? I considered briefly, “Which option will feel right in 1 month, 1 year and 3 years?” Then I decided: I need to be there.

I realize this seems like the obvious answer. I am even somewhat ashamed to admit that I considered anything else. However, I know that virtually all of us who run our own companies or have senior roles in organizations have made choices, at times, that sacrificed time with family or friends. It is the nature of organizational life and the inherent demands. Our credibility is built, in part, through being recognized as leaders who can be relied upon by our clients and colleagues.

I reached out to a couple of trusted friends when making this decision. The two techniques I shared do not eliminate the benefits of relying on a trusted advisor. But they will create clarity and can help to draw upon your inner wisdom.

Elevate your leadership performance by learning from some of the best. Pick up a copy of my book, The 360 Degree CEO: Generating Profits While Leading and Living with Passion and Principles available on Amazon.

My clients accelerate their results – increasing profitability, leadership performance, innovation, and accountability. I would love to discuss how I might contribute to your success. Contact me today.

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