Like most freelance consultants, I often encounter the divide between companies who will invest in consulting services and those who will not. But there is an equally important distinction between clients who are open to inviting a consultant into their world to assess and improve their situation and those who limp from one external guru to the next-- ever in search of "the" answer.
These companies seem to practice serial monogamy with consulting theories and practitioners. They fall too hard with each new "love" -- rejecting the old ways (that were "new" only 12 weeks before) and bringing in the new and improved -- only to repeat the cycle with the next big idea.
After they move on, they disconnect from the theories of the past, regardless of how intently they followed them at the time. The people on their team suffer from business theory whiplash, and tend to fall into two camps: the disciples of the latest gem and the resistant, who play along to keep their jobs but refuse to rework their sales presentation yet again.
One clue that you may be dealing with a serial consulting monogamist is that they disparage the previous work or consulting personalities as having failed them. Whereas a thoughtful approach to external experts enables a company to "borrow from the best" in a variety of complementary ways, the starry-eyed serial monogamist feels they must reject all that has come before.
These companies seem to practice serial monogamy with consulting theories and practitioners. They fall too hard with each new "love" -- rejecting the old ways (that were "new" only 12 weeks before) and bringing in the new and improved -- only to repeat the cycle with the next big idea.
After they move on, they disconnect from the theories of the past, regardless of how intently they followed them at the time. The people on their team suffer from business theory whiplash, and tend to fall into two camps: the disciples of the latest gem and the resistant, who play along to keep their jobs but refuse to rework their sales presentation yet again.
One clue that you may be dealing with a serial consulting monogamist is that they disparage the previous work or consulting personalities as having failed them. Whereas a thoughtful approach to external experts enables a company to "borrow from the best" in a variety of complementary ways, the starry-eyed serial monogamist feels they must reject all that has come before.
"Oh, we thought [previous theory] made sense, but we soon realized it wasn't right for us. We can't prove any positive results in the two months we tried it. It's just not as advanced as [latest theory] - we need to get everyone behind this new approach to make our 3rd quarter goals.
"Their process works for other industries, but we are unique. They should have realized that we need a solution more aligned to us."
"Have you read [hot business title]? We paid a gazillion dollars to have the author at our executive retreat. THIS really is going to change everything.
Doesn't it remind you of that person you meet at a party: Always talking about her recent string of failed romances? Always sure the failure was beyond her control? Always sure the next one will be THE one?
The truth is, consultants and the latest business theories can do wonders for your team. But they merely the vehicle to LIFT you to the next level. A consultant will NOT create a better situation; they can help you find your own path there.
If you are looking for an outside expert to be an outside answer -- you will be looking for a long, long time. One consultant after another. Serial monogamy.
The truth is, consultants and the latest business theories can do wonders for your team. But they merely the vehicle to LIFT you to the next level. A consultant will NOT create a better situation; they can help you find your own path there.
If you are looking for an outside expert to be an outside answer -- you will be looking for a long, long time. One consultant after another. Serial monogamy.
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