I recently received a high compliment from a client that I want to share, not to self-congratulate but to highlight a trait you should seek in any governance consultant you hire.
“You are a conduit for a lot of collected wisdom,” the client said, “and are great at adapting it to my needs.”
Note that there are two parts to this incredibly flattering testimonial:
- My talent for collecting, understanding, and synthesizing the knowledge I’ve gained from the hundreds of organizations I’ve encountered over the years, and
- My ability to apply this knowledge in a practical and effective way to my clients’ situations.
I can’t tell you just how critical it is that the consultant you choose, whether it’s me or someone else, be both firmly connected to the real world AND able to leverage the lessons learned for your benefit. Having “book smarts” is all well and good, but you deserve to work with someone who has done the deeds and can relate to what you’re going through.
The Ivory Tower is a Cold and Lonely Place
Many consultants steep themselves in business models, best practices, and technology futures, and there’s definite value in that. Heck, I do it, too! But if they are overly isolated in their Ivory Tower, they run the risk of becoming detached from workaday reality.
This is why I make a point of talking to people on the governance front lines, be they clients, prospects, or folks I encounter in conference corridors or on LinkedIn. It’s entirely possible, in fact, that I’ve contacted you to swap perspectives.
If we’ve connected, then thank you for sharing with me. And if we haven’t, then let’s please do! The more I know, the better the job I can do for you. And in case you’re wondering, I never break a confidence – I’m in it for the pragmatic wisdom only.
I know a few things because I’ve seen a few things. How about you? Let’s talk about it – ping me today!