As consultants, we’re often brought in to fix something. To find a problem, dig into it, and help fix it.
That’s great. I’m super good at that. I’m a problem-solver at heart.
But I also make a purposeful effort to point out the positive. Yes, I’m there to fix something and make it better. But what’s already going well? I almost always start my reports and presentations pointing out the positive.
I find this is especially beneficial when there are multiple levels of stakeholders involved, for example, a manager and non-managers. When multiple levels of stakeholders are on a call and I point out all the good things that set the stage for my work, it makes the non-managers look good in front of the managers. And everybody likes that.
When a consultant swoops in, everyone expects to hear what’s wrong and how we’ll fix it. But it’s so impactful to pause, point out what the team is already doing well, and then dive in.