The inner circle of the trusted advisor

Much has been written about consultants and, of late, executive coaches. The estimate is that there are presently about 30,000 of both types and they earn almost $30 billion in the USA alone. But there is a neglected side, especially to executives – the trusted advisor. Although the number of trusted advisors may be small, their impact may be even greater than all executive coaches combined. They work behind the scenes, often without a written contract (although they are very well paid), must be always available, are employed often as secret emissaries, function regularly as an early warning system, and routinely are engaged in deep and even profound dialogue with the CEO. S/he serves as an alter ego or professor offering an endless seminar that integrates theory and practice. S/he may previously have been a consultant or coach but no one chooses to become a trusted advisor, because trusted advisors are chosen.