Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Tech Advisor
Appointing a technology board advisor is a strategic decision crucial for navigating the complex tech landscape. It's essential to set realistic expectations right from the start, understanding that even the most experienced advisors have limitations.
This article will cover what you can realistically expect from your technology board advisor, including the need to balance expertise, experience, and personal traits like fit and emotional intelligence.
1. Broad Expertise with Acknowledged Limits
No advisor is an expert in everything; good advisors will be open about their areas of expertise and limitations. This transparency allows your company to complement their skills where needed.
- Areas of Specialty: Expect them to have deep knowledge in specific tech domains rather than all.
- Honest Assessment: They should be honest about where they might need to rely on other experts.
- Resourcefulness: Look for their ability to leverage external resources and networks to fill gaps.
- Learning Agility: They should demonstrate a commitment to continuously updating their knowledge.
- Strategic Delegation: Expect them to know when to delegate or consult with other specialists.
2. Trade-Offs on Experience
A perfect match in experience with your industry or technology might not always be possible. Be prepared to make trade-offs, prioritising advisors who bring the most critical skills or perspectives to your board.
- Core Competencies: Ensure they have strong experience in the areas most critical to your business.
- Adaptability: Their ability to apply previous experiences in a new context is often more valuable than direct experience.
- Diverse Perspectives: Sometimes, bringing in an advisor with experience outside your industry can spur innovation and offer fresh insights.
- Impact Over Time: Focus on the types of impacts they've had in their roles, rather than just the roles themselves.
- Proven Success: They should demonstrate a history of adapting and succeeding in various environments.
3. The Importance of Fit and Emotional Intelligence
Beyond technical expertise, the interpersonal fit and emotional intelligence (EQ) of your advisor play pivotal roles in their effectiveness on the board.
- Cultural Alignment: Their working and communication styles should mesh well with the existing board's culture.
- Conflict Resolution: High EQ is critical for managing and resolving conflicts creatively and constructively.
- Influence and Persuasion: They should be skilled in persuading and influencing others in a positive way, particularly in decisions involving complex tech investments.
- Empathy and Listening: Expect them to effectively listen and respond to stakeholder concerns, fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
- Leadership Style: Their leadership should inspire trust and respect, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.
4. Innovation with a Measure of Prudence
Your technology advisor should be a catalyst for innovation, pushing the envelope on what's technologically possible while balancing it with prudence to manage risks effectively.
- Forward-Thinking: They should anticipate tech trends and potential disruptions.
- Risk Awareness: Equally, they must identify risks associated with new technologies and advise on mitigating them.
- Sustainable Innovation: Expect recommendations on technology that not only drives growth but also sustainability.
- Balanced Approach: They should balance cutting-edge technology adoption with foundational stability.
- ROI Focused: All innovative ventures should have clear paths to return on investment.
A Comprehensive Role
A technology board advisor's role is multifaceted and essential for guiding a company through technological advancements and challenges.
By setting realistic expectations and understanding the inherent trade-offs in their expertise and experience, you can maximize the value they bring to your organisation.