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Winter 2006

A Sage as Advisor

"When you're advising leaders, what kind of advisor are you?" and " How do you quickly and clearly articulate your value to the leader?" were the questions opening the autumn newsletter. The second advisor, profiled in this newsletter, is the Sage.

A Sage knows competencies of a good leader and the manner in which the kingdom practices the art of peace, the art of war, recovery from disaster and the everyday treatment of subjects. The Sage is focused on the good of the kingdom, as defined by timeless wisdom and assumes that what is good for the kingdom is good for the kingdom's leader. If the Sage must choose between the good of the kingdom and the good of the leader, the Sage will choose the kingdom.

There are critical points in leaders' lives during which Sages have a strong influence. The first point is during the developmental years when embryonic leaders learn the tribal stories.

Sage as Teacher

• Teach young Leaders the best available knowledge
• Teach common sense and respect for the kingdom's people

In the leaders' early years, Sages are usually teachers. The personal interest and coaching provided by the Sage helps turn the rough young person into a leader. Sages nurture young minds and educate leaders in critical areas: general knowledge and critical thinking, knowledge of the kingdom and its people, and knowledge of politics itself. Knowledge and critical thinking are in themselves valuable, though the best Sage also teaches self-discipline and proper decorum to the future leader.

Sage as Mentor

• Deep understanding and unfailing commitment to the rule of law
• Advising on what is right
• Counseling against what is wrong

As leaders mature, Sages play a different role. Mature leaders have taken their place and manage the affairs of the kingdom, including diplomacy, law, commerce, the welfare of subjects and defense. Sages become counselors and advisors to Kings who are managing multiple priorities. They become a moral compass for the leader, counseling on right behavior according to rule of law and timeless wisdom.

So you're an advisor, and you just don't see yourself as a Magician or a Sage? If not then you may be the advisor who is the leader's most loyal friend, a Fool.