Here's how you can become a trusted advisor to your boss.
Gaining the trust of your boss is a significant milestone in any professional journey. It's not just about being reliable in your assigned tasks; it's about becoming a go-to person for insights, advice, and strategic thinking. To become a trusted advisor to your boss, you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the business, show impeccable judgment, and cultivate a relationship built on mutual respect and professionalism. It's a role that requires more than just technical expertise—it calls for emotional intelligence, discretion, and the ability to think like a leader.
Establishing a strong rapport with your boss is the foundation for any trusted advisory relationship. This doesn't happen overnight. It requires consistent, open communication and a genuine interest in understanding their priorities and pressures. Show empathy and support for their challenges, and be proactive in offering solutions, not just problems. Your goal is to become someone they can rely on not just for tasks, but for thoughtful conversation and advice.
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Lee Reeves
Chief Legal Officer | Counseling on Governance, Risk, and Compliance Best Practices.
(edited)The best way to build rapport with your boss - and anyone for that matter - is to focus on being honest and truthful instead of being liked and admired. You can control what you say, how you say it, and WHY you say it, but you can’t control how people respond. At work, our WHY necessitates our message is always geared towards helping achieve the mission and purpose of the company. To be a “trusted advisor” at work, always be honest and truthful and ensure your guidance is motivated to serving the organization’s objectives and not your own.
Reliability is the cornerstone of trust. To be seen as a dependable advisor, you must consistently meet deadlines, produce quality work, and follow through on your promises. This also means being accountable when things don't go as planned. By owning up to mistakes and learning from them, you demonstrate integrity and a commitment to continuous improvement, which are key traits of a trusted advisor.
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Always deliver what you promise and seek to provide insight. Failure to do so undermines trust. Think laterally. A senior colleague once said to me “ You should listen to Sarah, she always has an interesting point of view which is different from the norm” I believe that by active listening you will understand the motivations of the other person enabling you to deliver a quality result. I am a reflective thinker and this works for me.
To be a trusted advisor, you need to bring valuable insights to the table. This means staying informed about industry trends, understanding the competitive landscape, and thinking strategically about the business's future. When you present your ideas, back them up with sound reasoning and consider the broader implications for the company. Your boss will come to appreciate your input if it consistently adds value and demonstrates foresight.
Effective communication is critical when advising your boss. This involves not only articulating your thoughts clearly but also listening actively to understand their perspective. Tailor your communication style to match your boss's preferences—some may prefer detailed reports, while others want concise summaries. Always ensure that you're providing information that is relevant and timely, which will make your advice more impactful.
Building trust is about more than just business acumen; it's also about showing discretion, respecting confidentiality, and aligning with your boss's interests. Demonstrate that you have the company's best interests at heart and that you're committed to its success. When your boss knows they can trust you with sensitive information and critical decisions, you'll solidify your role as a trusted advisor.
Understanding and navigating office politics is a subtle yet important skill for a trusted advisor. Be aware of the dynamics within your organization, but remain neutral and focused on the business's goals. Avoid getting entangled in conflicts or gossip, and use your political savvy to help your boss manage relationships and build alliances. This strategic approach can enhance your value as an advisor who is not only knowledgeable but also politically astute.
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Never be afraid of asking questions if the task that I have to perform is not quite clear. Politely requesting clarifications is a sign that we want to perform at our best. If it’s not possible perform a task, approve a deal or manage an issue, try an open discussion about different ways to achieve what is requested within the limits of our resources, regulations or costs.
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