By Aaron Radlet, Former Chief Communications Officer, Hilton and Walgreens Boots Alliance

“Chief Non-communicative Officer” may sometimes describe our jobs more accurately. It’s ironic for a role which literally includes the word “Communications” that we often feel like we can’t talk with anyone about what is actually on our minds and matters most to us.

The reasons why are all too familiar. We’re busy being there for everyone else, including our CEO, business partners, teams, agencies and stakeholders.

The deadlines are tight. The meetings are one right after the other. The demands on our schedules are endless. Office politics are unavoidable. And the unforeseen issues falling out of the sky seem to happen every day.

At certain moments, we feel comfortable opening up to our colleagues, but frequently, the timing, appropriateness or practicality are not right. We’re left asking, “Who’s truly there for me?”

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I was asked recently what I would do differently if I were starting the advanced stages of my career over again. High on my list would be to work individually and regularly with an external advisor/consultant who has achieved a senior level in communications.

Looking back, my degree in public relations and advertising taught me a lot, and in the early years of my career, I sharpened those skills. Over time, I knew that I could confidently hammer out a press release or a companywide email from the CEO.

At some point in our professional progression though, we stop and say, “No one prepared me for this at all!” The reality is that a leadership role in communications is constantly evolving and shifting, and the skillset really can’t entirely be taught from a textbook or past experience. You often just need to learn while doing.

The trick is that you don’t always show that you need on-the-job training. In other words, saying “I have no idea” or “I can’t get that done” are not necessarily welcome responses in an executive committee meeting.

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This concept is the focus of Marshall Goldsmith’s book, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” He explains that the competencies that enabled you to climb the ladder to your mid-career aren’t going to be the same when you reach the next rungs.

That’s where an experienced, trustworthy advisor – who has been in comparable circumstances in the past and has complete neutrality with no competing interests – can make a huge difference. I’m referring to someone who is specifically dedicated to supporting you and has held the title of Chief Communications Officer or an equivalent position.

Of course, even without this type of advisor, other resources are available. HR offers development programs, and sometimes even some sort of general coach. Agencies, if they are good, can be a wealth of information. Professional organizations and networks can lead to great advice. And yes, AI can provide useful tips and outputs. Although they all have their limits, and none of them can offer the real-world experience and results of someone who has sat in a similar seat.

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Here are some examples of the many questions that an advisor can help answer:

Structural – How do I build the best organizational chart, budget and leadership team, especially as technology, “paid vs. earned” and other factors are rapidly changing our functions?

Diplomatic – How do I work with a particularly challenging business partner or boss? How do I keep my team motivated and ensure my company understands the value of what they do?

Situational – How do I deal with a unique crisis that the company hasn’t confronted in the past? How do I prioritize and schedule my time most effectively in the midst of a big initiative?

Collaborative – Who are really the best vendors and agencies out there… for how to evaluate results or reputation, or to pull off a next-level, all-hands meeting?

Additive – Since I don’t have the time, who can effectively get some things off my plate, such as drafting a speech or organizing my team’s annual plan?

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That’s why CommsCollectiv’s fractional model is so valuable. You have direct access to someone who puts your needs first, can get up to speed quickly and understands what you’re confronting. It’s different from an agency approach because, while many agencies promise you senior-level access, these people are often spread thin and are largely focused on new business.

Instead with CommsCollectiv, you can pick exactly the right partner(s) for you, and exactly how many hours you need. This advisor is fully on your side and is free to meet with you regularly – and can get you talking again, and performing better than ever.