A question asker

Strategic consulting is not about answers

Strategic consulting is not about answers

Here is an example of my typical conversation with a prospect.

– So, you are a strategic consultant, right? — they ask.

– Yes, I am, — I reply.

– And you affirm that you can help our company with a new strategy, don’t you?

– I believe I do, — I answer.

– We are in an IT (building, manufacturing, dog grooming — you name it) business. Have you ever coded (built a house, manufactured a piece of plastic, trimmed a dog’s nails)?

– No, I haven’t. But I used to be a CEO in some different domains for many years, then I helped many companies with strategic issues, so I believe I am qualified for this job.

– But how will you tell us what to do if you don’t have industrial experience?

Some major consulting companies see their job as finding all the strategic answers for a customer. A large team of analysts, industry experts, and strategic thinkers try to dive into the market and internal company’s situation and find the best way for it to succeed. I am not going …