FAB. U. LOUS. is the best way to describe The Trusted Advisor by David Maister, Charles Green & Robert Galford.  Though geared to consultants, this book is a must read for anyone who works with people.

Countless times I’ve been asked by mid-level, even senior-level executives, how they can be more effective in their jobs and how they might connect more powerfully with their superiors.  Well this book is a true gift.  It shows in  a very easy, logical way how to evolve into being a “trusted advisor” as opposed to a worker bee.  How to become someone key people seek out for advice and counsel.

Have you ever asked yourself:

1. How can I get access to my boss more often?
2. How can I persuade my boss to introduce me to other key executives?
3. How can I avoid being typecast as merely a specialist in my small area of functional responsibility?
4. What do I do about not being an expert in related fields?

The Trusted Advisor is your answer.  It will teach you what all great trusted advisors have in common; the dynamics of being trusted; how to ensure your advice is listened to; the principles of building strong relationships; the attitude you must have to be effective; the five stages of trust building; and many more things.

This book will show you how to develop the traits necessary to become a trusted advisor.  While this is essential to consultants, it’s just as important in any work environment where your long term success is in large part based on being trusted, counted on, and sought after by key players.

What I also like about this book is that it goes beyond teaching the skills of an effective advisor to sharpening other ancillary skills as well, such as how to help your superiors (clients) look at their issues in a fresh way or how to help your superiors (clients) clarify what they are really after.

The Trusted Advisor belongs in the library of anyone who wants to grow and be successful. In this world where it’s difficult to believe anything, “trust” has become the holy grail.  And this book can help lead you to being truly trusted.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 at 23:11 and is filed under Candidates, Career Development, Career Management, Must Read: Book Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.