At times, making decisions on your own proves to be too taxing, and turning to an adviser can prove a wise choice. With the help of an adviser, you can make decisions with more confidence. It is particularly smart if the decision you are seeking to make is one that requires expertise that you do not possess; the adviser can use his knowledge and experience to help you make a more informed decision. While the exact characteristics an adviser should possess vary depending on the topic on which the individual will be advising, some qualities are characteristic of good advisers.

Trustworthiness

In many cases, before an adviser can help you make a decision, you must share with her information of a personal nature. Because you need to share this information, it is best if the adviser is trustworthy. If the adviser is not someone you can trust, you may hold back, making the advice she gives you potentially less useful.

Knowledge

It is often beneficial if the individual advising you possesses a strong base of knowledge. This is particularly beneficial if the individual is providing advice regarding complex matters, such as money-related issues. If the adviser possesses knowledge that the advisee doesn't, he can allow the individual whom he is advising to benefit from his knowledge.

Communication Skills

To effectively communicate their advice, advisers must have strong communication skills. These communication skills should include the ability to both listen and speak. If the individual is not skilled at listening, she won't be able to obtain the information she requires to give advice to the advisee. Similarly, if the individual is not skilled in speaking, she won't be able to verbally communicate her advice with much success.

Compassion

Sometimes the topics on which advisers are giving advice are emotional in nature. When an adviser is going to speak about topics that are tied to human emotions, it is beneficial if he is compassionate. If he lacks compassion, he may not be able to effectively present the emotionally charged advice in a manner that the advisee can appreciate.

Optimism

While not entirely requisite, optimism is a useful trait for an adviser to possess. If an adviser is optimistic, she can more likely make the individuals she is advising feel good during the advice-giving process. This ability to put individuals at ease and see the bright side in potentially difficult situations can make the adviser enjoyable to be around and potentially more desirable to those seeking advice.