I revisited all the notes from my previous projects and here are the top 3 learnings…

Hi Friends,

As we're hurtling towards the finale of 2023, I've decided to hit the pause button and embark on a roller-coaster ride of introspection. I'm about to dive deep into the whirlwind that has been my slightly more than a year long journey in Consulting. And no, this isn't my cryptic way of saying goodbye. I'm not going anywhere, promise! (You can relax, colleagues who kindly accepted my invite to this newsletter!)

I have thrilling topics to share, such as creating a questionnaire that would make Sherlock Holmes envious, or my adventurous journey in research. However, I'll keep you in suspense for now. These stories are so captivating, that they deserve their newsletter. So, stay tuned and maintain your high curiosity! Now, let's discuss some key learnings. (To simplify note-taking, I'll try to list these points using the pyramid structure.)

Effective Communication and Collaboration:

• Structure Information in Pyramid-Style: In consulting, the adage "without structure, your points are pointless" rings true. It highlights the need for logical, clear organization of information. When preparing PowerPoint slides, I adopt a pyramid structure: main ideas at the top, supported by key points below. This sequence confirms the logic flow before I dive into data gathering and visualization. It saves considerable time later, preventing mid-project slide edits and removals.
• Audience Sensitivity: Understand the unique needs and sensitivities of various parties. For example, top management and operational staff may have different focuses. When proposing a new software implementation, finance may scrutinize costs and return on investment (ROI), while HR considers manpower needs. Tailoring your message to address these specific concerns is critical for successful interdepartmental communication. For finance, your argument might be, "By implementing this software, we can automate several manual processes, reducing operational costs by 20% and achieving a positive ROI within two years." For HR, you might say, "Implementing this software can streamline work processes, potentially enhancing employee engagement and productivity."
• Establish a glossary: for client internal terms and use AI to create a list of industry-specific terms. This way, you won't get lost in the initial client meetings. Often in consulting firms, there are large client accounts with a lot of internal jargon. It's easy to get lost in client calls without this knowledge. So, every time I start a new project, I ask the project manager for a list of internal jargons. I also request AI to generate a list of commonly used terms specific to the client's industry. This strategy helps me to adapt more quickly.

Relationship management

• Extend a helping hand to someone more junior than you: Remember what it was like to be the new kid on the block? I certainly do! Just last year, I was a newcomer at the firm. The warm welcomes and patient guidance from my seniors, especially Jasmine and Mannix, were unforgettable. They went out of their way to help me navigate the complexities of slide building and assigned buddies to assist me during project onboarding. Now, as we welcome the newest members of the firm, I'm doing my best to pay it forward. From recommending the best local restaurants to sharing useful experiences in PowerPoint creation, I'm trying to be as helpful as I can.
• Being more personal and friendly, and learning to engage in small talk can be beneficial: As an INTJ, I found building more-than-professional relationships as challenging as eating soup with a fork. But, hey, we're not robots, right? It's not just about water cooler chit-chat. It's about understanding the human behind the email signature - their motivations, dreams, and favorite pizza topping. This rapport-building stuff isn't just for salespeople or charm school graduates - it's the secret sauce to a satisfied and productive team. And a happy client equals a thriving company. So, I believe one of the key lessons is to be more open and friendly in the workplace - you never know.
• Steer clear of purely transactional client engagements. I recall a past project where my interrogation-style questioning turned off operational staff. My relentless quest for precise information led to a frustrating game of ping-pong, with endless back and forths. It was such a wake-up call when I understand how being purely “goal-oriented” to look for the answer might backfire! Now, I aim to bring value to every conversation, even with operational and junior members from the client. I do this by asking meaningful questions, sharing industry best practices, or even painting a picture of how their role fits into the grand scheme of the project. And to top it off, I assure them that the project's success will also be a win for them.

Asking for Help

• Do the basic Google and ChatGPT: Before reaching out, it's crucial to exhaust all readily available resources. The answers to many questions can often be found with a quick Google search or by consulting readily available materials. Try to show the effort through telling the expert that you have already researched on Google and you get the level 1 answer, but you would need their guidance to deepen your understanding on the matter to level 2 and above.
• Understand if the person would be able to help: When you're stuck and in need of a hand, it's important to first check if the person you're about to bug has got time and energy to spare. For example, asking your Excel whizz colleague to take over your task might be a bit like asking them to run a marathon on a whim. Also, make sure you're not asking them to do something that's totally out of their zone. You don't want to be that person who asks the accountant to fix the office printer. And lastly, think about your squad. Who in your crew has the know-how or the right position to help with the mess you're in? Pinpointing these folks can be a game-changer in getting the help you need.
• Build your own expert network: As previously discussed in the section on network building, I've become more open to office chit-chat and attending meetups with various people. I'm keen to learn about the projects they're working on and their personal interests. They could potentially become part of my expert network. Likewise, I would be honored to be considered part of my friends' expert networks.

As we approach the end of 2023, I'm confident that our journey will continue to be thought-provoking and insightful. It's been an incredible ride and distilling these key lessons has been invaluable. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all my seniors and colleagues who have been part of this journey. Your support and guidance have been instrumental in my growth. And let me reassure you, I have no plans to leave, I'm here for the long haul! I encourage all of us to engage in this practice of reflection and learning from our past. I'm excited about our next editions before the year ends.

Here's to more knowledge, growth, and fun times! Stay curious, keep learning, and see you in the next edition!

Ciao,

Sherman