advisorruler

Advisorruler refers to a prevailing or dominant practice where a leader or decision-maker surrounds themselves with informal advisors, often loyal individuals with significant influence on the leader. This informal advisory network may be more inclusive, diverse, and influential than traditional formal advisory bodies, as managers can consult with individuals who they trust on important issues.

Various notable leaders throughout history have resorted to the advisorruler approach, using reliance on close friends, family members, and loyal associates to make significant decisions that shape the course of their kingdom or empire. Critics argue that this practice can cultivate an inner circle that stifles dissenting opinions and separates themselves from informed criticism from experts outside this circle, leading to poor decision-making.

There are theories on why certain leaders might resort to relying heavily on advisors besides their traditional formal advisors. Such reasons may include a leader's personality, specific circumstances of the workplace or period of individual rule, a specific country's governance system, and traditional practice within a culture. History has also shown instances of leaders deliberately fostering close relationships that blur the line between initiator and advisor, increasing the sovereignty of an advisorruler.

Notable examples can be seen where an advisorruler influences historial outcomes, such as Lee Kwan Yew and Koh Koon Foo. Koh initially served as Yew's National Service unit commander, then Yew requested and continuously consulted him on matters throughout his administration.