Let's describe how a "One-Man Band" typically operates in a financial services practice: A financial advisor who acts as a "One-Man Band" frequently considers himself a "one-stop shop" for his Clients.  This is actually a good thing in principle, but in application, he is attempting to give advice in many areas of finance which are outside of his expertise.

Whether this tendency comes from the fact that an advisor has been in business for many years and actually does know quite a bit, or it's because there's a fear that the Client won't value their services if they betray any ignorance is irrelevant. The fact is that there are countless people who have devoted their entire careers to very narrow aspects of financial services raises doubts as to whether any single advisor is an expert in all areas.

Given that experts exist who have devoted many, many years of their lives to excelling in a single, specialized area (Financial Planning, Tax, Money Management, Insurance, or Estate Planning) it's ridiculous to think that a single advisor could be Best-in-Class in all of these areas.

Next, let’s explore the visual of an Orchestra Conductor: Picture a scene where the orchestra is on stage tuning before a concert.  The sound is a cacophony of every instrument in the orchestra belting out noises that each musician requires in order to tune their instrument and warm up for the concert.  It sounds like a disorganized musical mess.  No beat, no melody, just musical anarchy.

But then the Orchestra Conductor takes the podium and taps his baton three times on the music stand; all instruments immediately go silent. He raises his baton with both hands as every musician watches for instruction and then the beautiful music begins.

First, a lonely violin makes beautiful music; joined next by the rest of the stringed instruments.  The music builds dramatically as the pace quickens, then slows as the Orchestra Conductor is the unquestioned leader of all these musical experts.  The horned instruments add to the symphony, and the volume rises as emotions peak.  The tympani begins to roll as the climactic point of the concert is reached.  All instruments are blaring, but unlike when they were tuning before the concert, now they are making beautiful and emotional music designed to move those listening.

A Trusted Advisor who is an Orchestrator is, metaphorically, the Orchestra Conductor.

So what's the role of the financial orchestrator?  Let's briefly examine these primary duties:

Selects the Team
A highly-skilled Trusted Advisor will thoughtfully select their Deliverables Team, keeping in mind the strengths of each team member and coordinating them into a beautiful orchestra.

Acts as Leader
The orchestrator is not a Best-in-Class musician or Subject Matter Expert, he is the conductor. You, as the Trusted Advisor, are the conductor - the leader.

Sets Standards
It is the job of the Trusted Advisor to set the standards for the Deliverables Team.  It is your role to set standards, assess performance of each team member, and create an environment for continual improvement.

Enforces Processes
Written documented process will be the "glue" that holds the Deliverables Team Members together.  By creating a "process culture" as your team grows, you can easily document any process in your practice in writing in 20 minutes or less, no matter how complicated. Your job is to enforce them to ensure the team is delivering on promises to Ideal Clients.

Assesses Performance
Through the use of the Success Road Map®, individual members should and will look forward to these discussions as a time to update their progress towards their own goals and gain clarity for improving communication with Deliverables Team Members to ensure they’re delivering upon all promises to your Ideal Clients.

Coordinates Efforts
Just like an Orchestra Conductor, a financial orchestrator develops great leadership skills and effectively coordinates the efforts of the Deliverables Team to stay focused on the goals.  Your job is not to dominate, but rather inspire and lead.