Asheli Mann-Lofthouse

To ensure productivity is as efficient and effective as possible, reassessing what you’ve done and how you do it on a regular basis is key for sustainability of your business. Too often organizations, consultants and leaders get boxed into one way of doing things because well, it works! Ask yourself, is it truly working? It is working the best possible way? Are you and your clients, customers and stakeholders all on the same page with the efficiencies and risks that’s come along with your current processes?

I can’t say this enough: having a growth mindset, always willing, open and eager to learn is the only way we will continue to develop into well rounded and credible consultants. The world if forever changing and the work we do cannot be done in a stagnant silo. We must broaden our scope and learn from experts in our area to remain relevant and earn credibility in our space. We often get stuck in our own field with blinders on - because we know what we know; however, we don’t know what we don’t know! Be open to learning to those in your subject matter space but also willing to listen to learn from those who share a different perspective than yours.

Setting boundaries as a consultant is crucial in your success, but determining which boundaries you simply execute and which you communicate to your clients is also recommended. Not all personal or professional boundaries need to be communicated to your customers. Now this is only an example to show a particular circumstance: sharing your business hours is sufficient enough when you dictate when you will be available; specifically dictating that you will not work outside of business is not generally a necessity. That being said, if you then have a client demanding additional commitment - this is when you can reiterate the initial declaration of your business hours. Sit with yourself and determine what YOU need to be successful.

Process management is key to working efficiently and effectively. The utilization of tools, while helpful, must be done after you’ve got a complete understanding of what your goals are as a consultant. Taking the steps to outline what your North Star is (and where your starting point is) will help you define the processes and procedures you need to develop or refine as you navigate having a path to execution. It’s also important to note that not all client needs are the same. You may need to remain flexible in certain situations, and at times, be willing to compromise if the goals are aligned.

Interpersonal relationships are important to all aspects of collaboration, we know this; however, when you consider team building being an opportunity to advance your career you want to have a clear vision. Understanding the unique needs, communication styles and identities of your team in order to build psychological safety and create meaningful partnerships is a must. Only you have the ability to allow yourself the courage to lead with inclusivity and individuality in mind. In turn, doing so will help you up-skill in human capital management, collaboration and team work, all skills a leader needs to advance their career.

A key component of using humor to ease conflict or tension is understanding your audience, specifically when relying on self-deprecating remarks. Having a good understanding of who you’re engaging with and who you’re in community with is important to know if this is the right time and space to “poke fun” at yourself. I’d also recommend using humor where you’re the butt of your own joke with caution, as sure - the article mentions credibility - but what about your own sense of self and well being. Be intentional about using humor, assess your audience, your intention and your self worth.