Consultants often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between the need for certainty and the ability to cope with ambiguity. This episode explores the intriguing question of whether the best consultants are those who embrace uncertainty and explore multiple perspectives or those who adhere strictly to established methodologies. As we delve into this topic, we highlight the importance of understanding the complexities of the VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—as it shapes consulting practices today. We also examine how our inherent need for closure can lead to premature conclusions, ultimately affecting our decision-making processes. Join us for a humorous and insightful discussion that encourages consultants to embrace ambiguity while leveraging the strengths of certainty to enhance their effectiveness in an ever-changing landscape.

Takeaways:

• The best consultants balance certainty and ambiguity to adapt to client needs.
• Understanding VUCA—Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity—helps consultants navigate challenges.
• Consultants must reflect on their decision-making processes to improve their handling of uncertainty.
• Both consultants and clients often struggle with a need for closure and certainty.
• Embracing uncertainty can lead to discovering hidden opportunities in consulting projects.
• A culture that avoids ambiguity might hinder effective consulting and client relationships.

This podcast for our Luminaries looks at the essential balance between confidence and humility for consultants, highlighting how these qualities can significantly impact their effectiveness.

Along the way they touch on self-help books, imposter syndrome, mindsets for growth and a nerdy Roman emperor.

Mike and Ian explore the rarity of consultants who can successfully embody both traits, and get back into the concept of "super communicators," who excel in navigating conversations through empathy and emotional intelligence, demonstrating how these skills can enhance consulting outcomes.

Takeaways:

• The balance between confidence and humility is crucial for effective consulting and leadership.
• Confidence instills trust in clients and team members, enabling decisive action and recommendations.
• Humility promotes continuous learning and improvement, allowing for the admission of mistakes and the seeking of help.
• Super communicators exhibit a unique ability to balance confidence with humility in their interactions.
• Successful consultants demonstrate both expertise and a willingness to learn, enhancing their credibility.

• Developing a Growth Mindset - Carol Dweck
• Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius | Project Gutenberg
• 15 Commitments - Conscious Leadership Group
• Jen Sincero - Badass Home
• Consulting and Confidence | Consulting Success
• How To Be a Confident and Humble Leader

Remember you can reach out to Ian and Mike to ask a question or share your thoughts - email them at [email protected]

You 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.consulting

The Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC

Mike and Ian explore interplay of certainty and ambiguity , as they dissect what it truly means to be an effective consultant. We introduce the concept of 'swagging,' where the ability to make 'scientific wild ass guesses' becomes a vital skill in the consultant's toolkit.

Next we dig into the practical implications of managing ambiguity in client interactions. The hosts draw on psychological insights to underscore the natural human inclination toward certainty, which often leads to anxiety in the face of ambiguous situations. They advocate for a mindset that not only tolerates uncertainty but actively seeks to leverage it for creative problem-solving.

This podcast for our Luminaries delves into the intriguing balance between analytical thinking and creativity in consulting.

Mike and Ian explore various aspects such as recruitment strategies, intuition, and the importance of thinking fast versus thinking slow. They also examine how analytical skills and creativity can be developed through practice and diverse experiences, emphasizing that both traits are essential for effective problem-solving. By understanding and cultivating these abilities, consultants can enhance their effectiveness and adaptability in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

The exploration of analytical and creative thinking in consulting is central to understanding the skill sets required for success in this field. Ian and Mike draw on personal anecdotes and research findings to illustrate how the interplay between these two domains can significantly enhance a consultant's effectiveness. They highlight the work of behavioral economists like Daniel Kahneman, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cognitive biases that influence decision-making processes.

Both analytical AND creative skills can be honed and developed through practice and experience. We talk about how consultants looking to improve their capabilities can stepp out of comfort zones to embrace diverse projects and actively seek collaboration with colleagues who possess complementary skills. The ability to think critically and creatively is not only beneficial for individual growth but also essential for delivering exceptional value to clients. Ian and Mike provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the dual nature of consulting expertise, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own strengths and areas for development.

Takeaways:

• Consultants must blend analytic skills and creativity to solve complex problems effectively.
• Both analytical thinking and creativity are essential traits that can be developed over time.
• Understanding the neurological differences in problem-solving can enhance a consultant's approach.
• Diverse experiences and knowledge can significantly boost a consultant's creative capabilities.
• Consultants should actively seek feedback to improve both their analytical and creative processes.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman
• The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit—Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness
• Lateral Thinking - Edward de Bono
• Critical Thinking: Your Guide to Effective Argument, Successful Analysis and Independent Study, by Tom Chatfield
• Case Interview Secrets by Victor Cheng
• Why the Combination of Analytical Skills and Creativity Is So Valuable – Career Services | University of Pennsylvania
• The Cognitive Styles of Creative and Analytical Thinkers - Drexel University

Confidence and humility often stand at odds in the world of consulting, yet they are both essential traits for success. Confidence can inspire clients, while humility allows for genuine connections and collaboration, right?

Ian and Mike explore the delicate balance between projecting confidence and maintaining humility, questioning whether the overconfidence often associated with consultants is beneficial or detrimental.

You can reach us via email at [email protected]

You 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.consulting

The Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC

Ian Bradley and Mike Shank introduce their podcast, Consulting for Humans - all about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of life in consulting. Join us!

Discover what it takes to be the perfect consultant as Mike and Ian explore the intriguing balance between analytical skills and creativity. They delve into the dichotomies that define successful consultants, such as being both analytical and creative, confident yet humble, certain while embracing ambiguity, and hardworking without crossing into laziness.

Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, they illuminate the complexities of consulting and the often mythical nature of perfection in this field.

Join them as they set the stage for future episodes that will further unpack these essential traits for consultants in their quest for greater humanity in their work.

You can reach us via email at [email protected]

You 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.consulting

The Consulting For Humans podcast is brought to you by P31 Consulting LLC