Often, it starts as a feeling in your gut. It is a feeling of being unsettled, or of uncertainty.

Things may not be working as well as you like, and recent new initiatives seem more difficult to implement.

You feel “stuck” at a time when you know it would be better to be “unstuck.”

Revenues may be flat or declining, over time, and expenses may be rising, squeezing your margins.

First, a few, and then, a few more of your good people decide to leave your organization to “pursue other opportunities.”

Even with good experience and great instincts you are not sure how to move through your next intersection or crossroad. You begin to think that it might be a good idea to look for outside help.

When looking for trusted outside help, a leader will need to answer three more important questions:

• Do I need help?
• Do I need outside help?
• Does the Crossroads team look like the outside help I need?