The Value of Objective Counsel
05/04/2023
In the midst of Financial Pressures and Weighty Economic Circumstances, the ability to focus clearly on business (and general life) solutions is oftentimes clouded (the fog can be as thick as pea soup). The major decision-making issue may not be one’s management ability, but the fact that the emotional tether is too short. One is simply too close to – and completely surrounded by - the circumstances.
In such times, the value of Objective Counsel can be immeasurable – perhaps to the level of business lifesaving. A rational, non-conflict-of-interest, no-agenda sounding board can assist in cutting through and peeling back the emotional, irrational cloud to examine the issue more analytically.
Additionally, judicious, experience-laden counsel – unpolluted by overt bias – viewing the issue “from a safe distance” may help one determine the surmised elephant-sized issue is much smaller. Conversely, if the issue is indeed elephant-sized, the objective counselor may offer insights into pathways to dissect the matter into a more manageable “buffet”. (Hearkening back to the age-old parable of “How does one eat and elephant - - one bite at a time”.)
One should be discerning in choosing objective counsel – the key word being “objective”. Choosing someone facing circumstances / decisions too closely to one’s own may be merely inviting reinforcement of an emotional bias. I have known farmers who had “coffee shop confabs” with non-farmers for this very reason. Most included businesspeople to understand the decision-making process, but not all.
Out-sourcing objective counsel via engagement with Trusted Advisors / Business Consultants is also a feasible (perhaps preferred) avenue. Vet out those that are trained (or perhaps trained themselves) to be objective and frank, while simultaneously empathic. Additionally, a history of experience provides credence and reassurance. (I know a guy - - actually, I know a few guys and gals . . .members of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants, aka ASAC.) The members of ASAC are highly capable, knowledgeable, and are held to a high level of integrity via ASAC’s Code of Ethics. Out-sourcing objective counsel could be viewed advantageous in that the engaged party is “paid to produce” and thus has a financial incentive to listen intently and offer potential pathway alternatives.
In addition to being paid sounding boards, these trained professionals have the expertise and experience to map out financial / business pathways to ameliorate/alleviate/mitigate the financial/economic vise one finds oneself in. Be mindful – there is rarely a “magic potion” – the pathway may be tough and grinding, with difficult decisions – but such a pathway is far preferred to remaining mired in financial quicksand.
In conclusion, fighting battles alone tends to narrow one’s vision - - oftentimes to the detriment of the “business-business” and the “family-business”. Enhance your peripheral vision through sound, objective counsel – it will aid in your vision ahead and help protect your flanks as you move forward in your business and family life.
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The opinions expressed in this blog are Russell Morgan’s own, and may not reflect the opinions of ASAC or its members.
= = = = =
Russell Morgan, CAC, ASAC Member
Morgan Ag Consulting Services
https://www.morganagconsulting.com/
Ph: 615-422-6490
In the midst of Financial Pressures and Weighty Economic Circumstances, the ability to focus clearly on business (and general life) solutions is oftentimes clouded (the fog can be as thick as pea soup). The major decision-making issue may not be one’s management ability, but the fact that the emotional tether is too short. One is simply too close to – and completely surrounded by - the circumstances.
In such times, the value of Objective Counsel can be immeasurable – perhaps to the level of business lifesaving. A rational, non-conflict-of-interest, no-agenda sounding board can assist in cutting through and peeling back the emotional, irrational cloud to examine the issue more analytically.
Additionally, judicious, experience-laden counsel – unpolluted by overt bias – viewing the issue “from a safe distance” may help one determine the surmised elephant-sized issue is much smaller. Conversely, if the issue is indeed elephant-sized, the objective counselor may offer insights into pathways to dissect the matter into a more manageable “buffet”. (Hearkening back to the age-old parable of “How does one eat and elephant - - one bite at a time”.)
One should be discerning in choosing objective counsel – the key word being “objective”. Choosing someone facing circumstances / decisions too closely to one’s own may be merely inviting reinforcement of an emotional bias. I have known farmers who had “coffee shop confabs” with non-farmers for this very reason. Most included businesspeople to understand the decision-making process, but not all.
Out-sourcing objective counsel via engagement with Trusted Advisors / Business Consultants is also a feasible (perhaps preferred) avenue. Vet out those that are trained (or perhaps trained themselves) to be objective and frank, while simultaneously empathic. Additionally, a history of experience provides credence and reassurance. (I know a guy - - actually, I know a few guys and gals . . .members of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants, aka ASAC.) The members of ASAC are highly capable, knowledgeable, and are held to a high level of integrity via ASAC’s Code of Ethics. Out-sourcing objective counsel could be viewed advantageous in that the engaged party is “paid to produce” and thus has a financial incentive to listen intently and offer potential pathway alternatives.
In addition to being paid sounding boards, these trained professionals have the expertise and experience to map out financial / business pathways to ameliorate/alleviate/mitigate the financial/economic vise one finds oneself in. Be mindful – there is rarely a “magic potion” – the pathway may be tough and grinding, with difficult decisions – but such a pathway is far preferred to remaining mired in financial quicksand.
In conclusion, fighting battles alone tends to narrow one’s vision - - oftentimes to the detriment of the “business-business” and the “family-business”. Enhance your peripheral vision through sound, objective counsel – it will aid in your vision ahead and help protect your flanks as you move forward in your business and family life.
= = = = =
The opinions expressed in this blog are Russell Morgan’s own, and may not reflect the opinions of ASAC or its members.
= = = = =
Russell Morgan, CAC, ASAC Member
Morgan Ag Consulting Services
https://www.morganagconsulting.com/
Ph: 615-422-6490
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