“Kitchen cabinet” is the term used to describe an unofficial
group of presidential advisers. First
used commonly during the U.S. presidency of Andrew Jackson, the phrase pops up
periodically since making use of the knowledge and wisdom of one’s friends in
strategic places is a common and expected leadership practice.
President Obama developed a business-specific ‘kitchen
cabinet’ to address jobs creation. He
consults with GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt, AOL co-founder Steve Case, and Intel CEO
Paul Otellini, among others. Ronald Reagan’s
‘kitchen cabinet’ was a group of about a dozen conservative, wealthy Los
Angeles businessmen who first became his advisers as he sought to become
governor of California, and later, president.
George W. Bush was criticized for having a ‘kitchen cabinet of one’: Dick Cheney.
As a leader and a professional, it makes sense to have a variety
of trusted colleagues with different areas of expertise that we can consult
from time to time that will help us make better decisions and increase our
chances of success. But too often, we
get locked into talking with the same people we see day after day: our own teams, whether they are leadership
teams or project teams or our employees.
We probably also have regular blogs or news
sources that we rely on to inform us of new trends or developments in our
industries.
But that doesn’t take the place of conversation: Being able to pick up the phone and call a
colleague to pick their brain about what’s working in their company, or what
they might have heard about how something we are considering may work. Finding out if a problem that ywe are having
is something they may have encountered.
Pondering their input regarding a decision or new direction we are
considering. Having a small group of
trusted advisers helps us take into
consideration points of view and information we may not be aware of, enabling better decisions.
How can you develop a trusted group of advisors like
this?
As someone who has worked a number of places, I keep in
contact with old bosses and others I’ve worked with. “Never burn your bridges” is a piece of
advice my mother gave me as a teenager and it has proved to be invaluable. I can email or call up colleagues I know well
and who know me well to ask their advice or bounce ideas. It’s a great way to keep in contact as most
people like to be helpful.
Another way to develop your own kitchen cabinet is through
professional organizations. Every
profession has at least one association.
If you join it and get involved with it – not just attend meetings once
in a while – you will develop some excellent contacts. Making an effort to develop good
relationships means volunteering your time, contributing your hard work and
knowledge, and making appointments for coffee or lunch once in a while to
connect on a more personal level.
In my own business, I’ve had the opportunity to develop
marketing ideas, hone presentations, and learn new skills from my own version
of a ‘kitchen cabinet’. My advisers are
in a variety of industries and positions.
A few of them have become personal friends but most remain professional
colleagues. I find they are unique
resources and support in many ways, especially when it comes to industry issues
or professional development. Others may
have a better ear to the ground if I am researching or contemplating a local issue.
You probably have friends and family you consult with on
personal matters. Develop the same for
your professional life. Leaders don’t
isolate themselves. But they don’t
consult with just anyone either. Who
makes up your 'kitchen cabinet'?
"Good talent is a mixture of experience and willingness to learn."
