The Empowering Consultant

em·pow·er /əmˈpou(ə)r/ verb give (someone) the authority or power to do something. - make (someone) stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.

As professional consultants we are often tasked with teaching others. The advising may come in the shape of observations, data review, experiential learning, conversations with individuals in similar or even starkly different positions, or a combination of these or other advisory opportunities depending on the need of the individuals or group we work with. However, in order to teach others we have to first be willing to be taught. 

When I think of the greatest lessons I’ve been taught it is often the ones in which someone has given me guidance then entrusted me with the ability to decide what happens next. What am I going to do with the new information and how am I going to use it for the betterment of others? When we face challenges, be it personal or professional, we not only rely on our own instincts, but on the evidence of outcomes in similar situations. Regardless of ones background or professional title, everyone has experiences that bring value to the table. Part of the role of a consultant is to empower individuals to comfortably and confidently reflect on their own story as a way to understand their value as well as necessary adjustments.

Professional consultants don't just review data and tell you what needs to happen. They pull from their niche experiences, collaborative partnerships, and proven problem solving abilities to help others find solutions to their unique challenges. They empower their clients to reflect and build solutions based on their core knowledge, while helping them understand that transparency in acknowledging the difficulties of the past are only part of the process to get us to a successful future.

Work ✲ Hardship ✲ Success ✲ Friendship ✲ Loss ✲ Travel ✲ Disagreement ✲ Family

Everything we are is based on what we have experienced and been surrounded by, so as empowering consultants it is important that we help others identify what has shaped them. What has brought them to this point and allowed them to have the understandings they do, as well as where have the breakdowns occurred. Once they identify needs, then we empower them to trust the lessons they have gained, as well as find openness to accept the ones yet to come. Empowering consultants not only guide people and businesses toward customized solutions, but also nurture them to find a renewed confidence in their mission, people, and product. Authenticity matters when tasked with fostering successful growth.

Consultants are success driven, so they will want to ensure that you have established smart goals aligned with your mission, culture, product, and processes. While working with a team it is imperative that there be an established trust so that all stakeholders are confident providing ideas and insight.

It makes a vast difference knowing you are trusted and respected enough to make a smart choice, as well as learning how to be open and willing to accept if leadership says to try a different approach next time.

Empowering doesn’t mean letting people believe everything they say, do, and believe is necessarily true. It’s helping them find their voice, how to adjust it to be heard based on their audience, and find the confidence to use it. 

Empowering leaders inspire growth.

#consulting #consultant #leadership #empower #businessconsultant