Consulting for Humans

The focus of this Luminaries episode is the enduring legacy of the baby boomer generation in the consulting industry, with a particular emphasis on two seminal texts that have shaped management thought: 'The One Minute Manager' by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, and 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen Covey. The discussion begins with an analysis of 'The One Minute Manager', wh...

This podcast episode delves into the generational shifts within the consulting profession, specifically focusing on the Baby Boomer generation. We explore the motivations that drew them to consulting, examining the societal and intellectual awakenings that shaped their perspectives during a tumultuous era. The conversation encompasses their experiences, challenges, and the evolving landscape of co...

This Luminaries episode delves into the intricate interplay between consultants' dress codes and their professional identities. We explore how clothing choices have evolved within the consulting culture, particularly in light of the shift towards remote interactions via platforms such as Zoom and Teams. The conversation emphasizes the subtle yet significant impact that appearance has on client per...

Exploring the intricate relationship between attire and professional identity within the consulting industry, this episode delves into the evolution of dress codes in the wake of significant societal shifts, particularly the transition from formality to casualness. The discussion navigates through historical contexts, emphasizing how earlier conventions dictated that consultants donned suits to em...

This Luminaries episode dives deep into the realm of consulting superpowers, where hosts Ian and Mike dissect various extraordinary abilities that, if possessed by consultants, could remarkably enhance their effectiveness. The conversation begins with a detailed examination of mind reading as a pivotal skill. The hosts emphasize active listening techniques, stressing that true understanding of cli...

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 profe...

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 signifi...

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...

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 styl...

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 understandin...

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 u...

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 th...

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 wit...

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 amu...

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 co...

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...

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 s...

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...

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...

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 towar...

The latest discussion among the Luminaries delves into a provocative inquiry: is the ideal consultant characterized by hard work or laziness? The episode explores the dichotomy between these two traits, questioning the conventional wisdom that associates diligence with success. The hosts, Mike and Ian, reflect on their experiences in consulting, pondering whether a more laid-back approach might su...

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 o...

This episode of Consulting for Humans tackles the intriguing dichotomy between hard work and laziness in the consulting profession. The hosts, Ian and Mike, explore whether being a hardworking consultant is truly a virtue or if there’s merit in a more judicious, "lazy" approach. They discuss how the culture of long hours and constant busyness can lead to burnout, while also highlighting the benefi...

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 ba...

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 insi...