4 Reasons to Reassess Your Advisory Ecosystem

Everyone needs counsel, even leaders — especially leaders. The most successful professionals do not rely solely on their instinct or experience. An advisory ecosystem does not mean you are outsourcing your judgement or authority. In fact, you are strengthening your leadership. But once you have counsel in place, the work is still not done. It is imperative that you regularly evaluate your team’s expertise, and how they can evolve with your needs. Here are four key reasons why you should regularly reassess how to match your goals with your counsel’s expertise:

You Need Friction, Not an Echo Chamber

Even experienced professionals have blind spots; that is why you benefit from a team of people approaching decisions from different lenses. What looks good on the surface could be problematic when examined by experts. What is financially sound might not resonate with the public. What is legally sound could be financially risky. Meanwhile, communications professionals can shape a message long before a misstep damages your credibility or fractures trust with the public. It is in these moments that you trust your counsel. A passive advisory team is not helpful. Allow your counsel to offer uncomfortable truths or introduce what might feel like a challenge to your ideas. This ensures that your decisions have been tested before they make their way to the public.

Expertise Without Alignment is a Liability

The absence of counsel could lead to dire consequences, but so will counsel that does not align with your mission and goals. You might have a qualified team, but you should routinely assess if they are on the same page with your organization’s values and tone. They must be aligned with where you want to go and you must trust that they’ll get you there.

Context Changes Often, and Quickly

A communications team — including a public relations specialist, crisis communications professional, writer or spokesperson — ensure that your messages are clear, consistent and aligned with your mission. They can shift what might feel like an unraveling of what you have worked hard for into a manageable issue. And this changes over time.

Considering that things can change quickly, your communications team stays ahead of news, trends and negative attention that could affect your organization or reputation. Trust that they can adapt to those changes to provide relevant, effective advice. Likewise, it is critical to keep your team updated on internal changes, new goals and other expectations. They can better serve you if they are in the loop.

There is No Value in Unused Counsel

Your counsel should not be a resource only when something happens. Regular check ins, asking specific questions and considering their input during a lull gives added value to your organization. You will be more confident handling a major decision or crisis if you’ve consistently communicated with your team. Whether you have a formal advisory board or a more fluid counsel, you do not have to make important decisions in isolation. You deserve the benefits of having multiple perspectives from professionals whose mission is to nurture and strengthen your organization. You can trust Spotlight PR to be a part of your advisory ecosystem. Book a consultation today.

Coshandra Dillard is deputy director-editorial at Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs for additional PR tips.