Consultants often dream of possessing extraordinary abilities to enhance their effectiveness in the field, and this episode explores the superpowers they wish they had. From superhuman knowledge and mind reading to time travel and mind control, Ian and Mike delve into the whimsical yet insightful nature of these desires. They discuss how these powers could transform consulting work, enabling professionals to understand clients better, navigate complex situations, and improve productivity. The conversation also touches on the real skills consultants can develop to achieve similar outcomes, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and effective communication. Join them as they unpack these intriguing concepts while reflecting on the balance between aspiration and the practicalities of consulting life.

The Luinaries episode delves into the fascinating intersection between consulting and medicine, drawing insights from the writings of Gerald Weinberg, a legendary consultant and computer scientist. The hosts explore Weinberg's 'secrets for consultants' that are inspired by advice from his brother-in-law, a wise but cynical physician named Marvin. The discussion emphasizes the notion that a significant percentage of problems, akin to illnesses, tend to resolve themselves without intervention—highlighting the importance of understanding when a consultant's involvement is truly necessary. The hosts reflect on their experiences in consulting, drawing parallels to the medical field and discussing how consultants, like doctors, often face the challenge of determining whether their interventions are genuinely beneficial or merely prolonging a problem. The episode encourages listeners to adopt a critical mindset about their role as consultants, urging them to discern the value of their recommendations and the importance of empowering clients to address their own issues.Takeaways:Consultants, like doctors, must recognize that many problems can resolve themselves without intervention.Understanding the importance of implementation is as crucial as diagnosis in consulting work.The advice provided by consultants should consider the client's past experiences and attempts.High fees can signal both the complexity of the advice and the consultant's ego.Knowing when to apply certain consulting principles is crucial for effective problem-solving.Regularly revisiting and questioning previous client strategies can lead to better outcomes.Remember you can reach out to Ian and Mike to ask a question or share your thoughts - email them at consultingforhumans@p31-consulting.comYou can follow the show on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13116342/And you can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/learn.consultingThe Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC

We dive into the intriguing world of consulting wisdom inspired by Gerald M. Weinberg's classic book, "Secrets of Consulting." The main takeaway is Weinberg's "third time charm law," which suggests that consultants are most effective on the third project with a client, as trust and understanding build over time. We also explore the importance of seeing what isn't there, encouraging consultants to look beyond the obvious and ask deeper questions to uncover valuable insights. With a blend of humor and practical advice, we reflect on our own consulting experiences and the dynamics of client relationships. Join us for an engaging discussion that promises to enhance your consulting journey and add a little humanity to your work!

This podcast episode delves into the critical balance of when to speak up and when to remain silent in conversations, particularly in professional settings. The hosts explore various tactics for effectively contributing to discussions while also emphasizing the importance of active listening. They highlight how personality traits, such as introversion and extroversion, influence communication styles and the dynamics of group interactions. The episode features insightful quotes from historical figures, reinforcing the idea that thoughtful communication is more impactful than simply filling silence with words. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to cultivate awareness of their own tendencies and to create environments that empower all participants to share their thoughts and ideas effectively.Takeaways:Effective communication requires knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.Creating an environment where everyone feels safe to share their ideas is crucial.Non-verbal cues, like eye contact and posture, can signal readiness to contribute.Introverts and extroverts have different approaches to communication; understanding this is key.Listening actively can lead to deeper understanding and better insights from others.Setting a clear purpose for meetings can significantly enhance their effectiveness.Remember you can reach out to Ian and Mike to ask a question or share your thoughts - email them at consultingforhumans@p31-consulting.comYou can follow the show on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13116342/And you can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/learn.consultingThe Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC

Navigating the delicate balance of when to speak and when to remain silent is a common challenge faced by consultants, especially those at the beginning of their careers. This episode delves into the pressures and complexities of contributing effectively in meetings, highlighting how clarity of purpose can empower individuals to find their voice. Mike and Ian discuss the importance of understanding context, building confidence, and recognizing personal styles, whether introverted or extroverted. They also explore the nuances of contributing expertise in discussions, particularly when feeling uncertain about one's authority. With practical tips and insightful anecdotes, the conversation encourages listeners to embrace their unique contributions while fostering a more collaborative environment.

Language plays a critical role in the consulting world, often morphing into jargon that can alienate clients instead of fostering connection. Ian and Mike delve into the origins and implications of the language consultants use, highlighting how this jargon can sometimes obscure meaning rather than clarify it. They reflect on their own experiences, acknowledging how certain terms, while initially useful, can become clichés that lose their effectiveness over time. The discussion revolves around the dual purposes of consulting: providing expert advice while simultaneously communicating effectively with clients. They emphasize the importance of understanding client language to establish rapport and trust, as well as the need for clarity and simplicity in communication. The episode is rich in anecdotes and examples, illustrating how miscommunication can arise from different cultural contexts and varying levels of jargon familiarity. This exploration challenges listeners to rethink their own language practices, aiming for a more human touch in their consulting engagements.Takeaways:Consulting jargon often obscures meaning, and understanding its origins can enhance clarity.Using client-specific language fosters connection and trust, distinguishing consultants from outsiders.Clichés in consulting language dilute original meanings, making communication less effective over time.Different cultural contexts greatly influence language comprehension, leading to potential misunderstandings.Recognizing distinct purposes in consulting communication can prevent miscommunication and improve collaboration.To improve clarity, consultants should aim to sound more human and less like jargon-filled machines.

Consultants often fall into the trap of using jargon and complex language that can alienate clients and colleagues alike. This episode explores the peculiarities of consulting language, highlighting the overuse of acronyms, convoluted phrases, and military metaphors that clutter communication. Ian and Mike discuss the importance of clarity and simplicity, avoiding verbose expressions and ensure that messages are accessible to all audiences. By addressing these language pitfalls, the hosts aim to foster more genuine connections in the consulting world and beyond.

Consulting during the Christmas holiday season often brings unique challenges and unexpected lessons, as highlighted by our hosts. They share memorable stories that reveal the importance of empathy and understanding within teams and towards clients during this busy time of year. From surprising gestures like allowing support staff to leave early for the holidays to navigating resource crunches with creative solutions, the discussions reflect on how small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. The hosts also reminisce about their personal experiences, from chaotic flights to heartwarming holiday adventures, reminding us that the season is about connection and gratitude. As they reflect on these tales, they encourage listeners to appreciate the quieter heroes behind the scenes who help make the holiday season a little brighter for everyone.Remember you can reach out to Ian and Mike to ask a question or share your thoughts - email them at consultingforhumans@p31-consulting.comYou can follow the show on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13116342/And you can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/learn.consultingThe Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC

Mike and Ian share personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges of balancing work commitments with holiday celebrations, including a memorable New Year's Eve spent in a hotel room rather than with family. They also discuss the importance of camaraderie during firm holiday parties, and finally the hosts review some quirky last-minute holiday gift ideas for consultants, showcasing a range of amusing and sometimes impractical options that reflect the lighter side of the profession.

Networking is a crucial component of professional development, serving as one of the four cornerstones that can significantly influence a person's career trajectory. Natalia Scherf, a seasoned leadership coach with nearly two decades of experience, shares her transformative journey into the world of networking after a sudden job change. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining and nurturing connections over time, rather than waiting until a job search begins. The conversation highlights practical strategies for effective networking, including leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and fostering meaningful relationships. Throughout the discussion, the hosts and Natalia explore the mindset shifts necessary to overcome barriers such as fear of rejection and the belief that one has nothing to offer, underscoring that networking is an ongoing process that can yield unexpected opportunities.Takeaways:Networking is a crucial component for career development, not just for job seekers.Building and maintaining connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and career advancements.Networking should be approached from a mindset of abundance, rather than desperation or need.It's important to start networking early and consistently, regardless of your career stage.Having a structured approach to networking can help alleviate feelings of awkwardness.Networking is not just about what you know, but who you know and how you connect.Natalia Scherff on LinkedInNatalia Scherff - leadership development coach focused on career transitionHow To Find Your Ikigai And Transform Your Outlook On Life And BusinessRemember you can reach out to Ian and Mike to ask a question or share your thoughts - email them at consultingforhumans@p31-consulting.comYou can follow the show on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13116342/And you can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/learn.consultingThe Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC

Networking is a crucial yet often challenging aspect of consulting that many professionals struggle with. Ian and Mike dive into the mindset surrounding networking, emphasizing that it doesn't have to be a sleazy or pushy activity but can instead be a natural and enjoyable way to connect with others. They discuss three essential levels of networking: reconnecting with past colleagues, reaching out to new contacts, and engaging with individuals who can provide valuable insights and opportunities. The hosts also address the unique challenges introverts face in networking situations and offer practical tips for both introverts and extroverts to enhance their networking effectiveness. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to view networking as a two-way conversation focused on building genuine relationships, rather than merely promoting themselves.

Mike and Ian tackle the complex dynamics of consulting through the lens of numerical analysis, raising critical questions about the utility and implications of quantifying consulting work. They share their thoughts into how the obsession with numbers can sometimes obscure the bigger picture, leading to detrimental outcomes such as miscommunication with clients and internal teams. The episode also trails at a forthcoming interview with Anne Fraser, who will provide further expertise on making numbers fit for purpose. Ever been in 'Analysis Paralysis' mode? Ian and Mike are there for you!You can reach us via email at consultingforhumans@p31-consulting.comYou can follow us on LinkedIn by joining our group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13116342/You can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/learn.consultingThe Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC

Consultants often find themselves overly focused on achieving perfect numbers, but this Luminaries episode emphasizes the importance of accepting good enough data to make informed decisions. Ian, Mike, and special guest Anne Fraser discuss the challenges junior consultants face when dealing with ambiguity and imperfect information, highlighting that aiming for perfection can hinder progress. Ann shares her journey from a data-driven consultant to a trainer, helping others embrace the reality that evidence and information extend beyond just numbers. The conversation also touches on how to handle mistakes when they arise, emphasizing accountability and transparency to maintain client trust. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to adopt a mindset that values practical decision-making over unattainable perfection, reminding us that even in consulting, good enough can often lead to better outcomes. Remember - GEMO!Takeaways: Consultants often focus too much on achieving perfect numbers rather than using good enough data to help clients make decisions. Understanding that mistakes are inevitable in consulting is crucial, and it's how we handle them that truly matters. Junior consultants need to become comfortable with ambiguity, as perfect data is often unattainable in real-world scenarios. The concept of 'good enough' is essential in consulting; striving for perfection can hinder timely decision-making. Effective consultants employ sanity checks on incoming data to identify potential errors early in the analysis process. It's vital for consultants to provide clients with honest feedback based on evidence, even if it contradicts what the client wants to hear.

We address some listener questions:How do you set boundaries for handling requests for out-of-hours work?What do you do when clients ask for 'freebies' before engaging on paid work?So many people these days have jobs entitled 'consultant' - but who's REALLY a consultant?What's the most difficult thing Ian & Mike have every been asked to do in consulting?Who do you know who is most like a consultant, without actually being one?Is it better to have some ex-clients in a consulting team?... and finally we take a look at some consutant-baiting humour from The Economist!Remember you can reach out to Ian and Mike to ask a question or share your thoughts - email them at consultingforhumans@p31-consulting.comYou can follow the show on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13116342/And you can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/learn.consultingThe Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC

Ian and Mike take a look at recent news items from around the consulting industry, reviewing both economic trends and the human factors that shape workplace dynamics. Mike and Ian unpack the recent fluctuations in consulting revenue and client spending, drawing attention to the broader implications of these changes for consultants. They discuss how firms have recently been reallocating funds towards technology investments, including AI. The hosts also delve into the generational tensions that characterize modern workplaces, examining how Millennials and Generation Z approach work differently from their predecessors. By encouraging dialogue about these generational shifts, the episode not only highlights the importance of understanding diverse perspectives within consulting but also suggests practical strategies for firms to foster a more inclusive and adaptable work environment. Finally we get a tantalising glimpse of some consultant-baiting humour that's going to feature in our Luminaries episode! You can reach us via email at consultingforhumans@p31-consulting.comYou can follow us on LinkedIn by joining our group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13116342/You can follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/learn.consultingThe Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC Consulting sector trends: Where are the hidden gems? – Source