1) only superficially aware of the real problem they're facing
2) aware of the wrong problem
3) not aware of any problem
4) aware of the actual problem with sufficient clarity
Your first step should be to reach point 4 above before even trying to identify a solution.
Jumping too early into solutioning is a common mistake, a natural tendency that high agency consultants (including myself) need to constantly battle against.
I often have to catch myself and stop going there too early.
Once you have a clear view of the problem, and you have an appropriate solution for your client, it would be tempting to say "Don't worry, buddy, just pay me and I'll fix it for you".
This is not my preferred approach.
I'd rather communicate the approach to solutioning in detail, for predominantly two reasons:
1) it is part of the job I'm doing. It is part of the value I'm adding. It is helpful for the client
2) it decreases my client's dependency on me, which is - counterintuitively - one of the goal of a good consultant.
I know you know all of the above, just thought I should clarify what came to mind when reading your excellent article!
Lots to unpack!
I would say that often the client is:
1) only superficially aware of the real problem they're facing
2) aware of the wrong problem
3) not aware of any problem
4) aware of the actual problem with sufficient clarity
Your first step should be to reach point 4 above before even trying to identify a solution.
Jumping too early into solutioning is a common mistake, a natural tendency that high agency consultants (including myself) need to constantly battle against.
I often have to catch myself and stop going there too early.
Once you have a clear view of the problem, and you have an appropriate solution for your client, it would be tempting to say "Don't worry, buddy, just pay me and I'll fix it for you".
This is not my preferred approach.
I'd rather communicate the approach to solutioning in detail, for predominantly two reasons:
1) it is part of the job I'm doing. It is part of the value I'm adding. It is helpful for the client
2) it decreases my client's dependency on me, which is - counterintuitively - one of the goal of a good consultant.
I know you know all of the above, just thought I should clarify what came to mind when reading your excellent article!