The things I overhear
“Jesus was never Caesar’s political adviser. Neither was Oprah Winfrey.”
I overheard this in Starbuck’s on Saturday. I ignored my desire to ask the speaker if she thought these two would make good advisors for Caesar but the comment stuck with me.
I got to thinking about how great leaders choose their advisors. Are they chosen because of what they know or who they know? Is it because of content or commitment? Length of service or bold action?
How many advisors are simply “yes men,” as many of those around Caesar were when Rome went done in flames? Are some advisors chosen because they make the person feel better about themselves? (Please, don’t mix up the need for encouragement with the need for advice. Go to your Mom for encouragement. Find someone unrelated when you need advice.)
Are any selected because they have the chutzpah to question, go out on a limb and (gasp) are willing to try something for the first time?
I know what I look for. I seek out people who will and can make me frustrated. Who challenge me to think differently. Who know more than I do. Who will stick with me and explain something to me, even if it is for the fifth time. Yes, I want someone with a proven track record, but I’ll take heart and passion and willingness to learn and teach over years of experience any day.
What do you want in an advisor?
Okay, so I eavesdrop. I’ll overhear a comment and then I’ll imagine what the whole conversation is about. It makes me think. It makes me laugh. Sometimes, it inspires me. I’ll share what I overhear from time to time. If you have a thought, share it. If you disagree, share anyway.
