No one really likes to hear about their own weaknesses or foibles from another employee. CEOs aren't the only ones to kill internal-staff messengers. No matter what the level of executive, if he or she is not getting straight-up feedback about work behaviors, then the result is often a false sense of career immortality. Like it or not, external consultants with the courage to speak their convictions can pay big dividends for the leader who seeks and is open to candid advice. Too many executives are in the organizational wilderness without a competent guide.
Professional advisors have no political axe to grind.
Their sole commitment is to client success. Consider it an investment in yourself. But be prepared to listen, learn and be guided. The quality of a consultant's output is directly dependent upon the quality of the input. Rigorous honesty really is the best policy.