What do you do if your consulting career requires problem-solving through strategic thinking?

🔰 Embracing complexity is imperative for strategic problem-solving in consulting. Dive deep into intricate issues, understanding every facet by dissecting the situation and considering diverse perspectives. By acknowledging complexity, you uncover valuable patterns and connections that lead to innovative solutions. Recognize that challenging problems often present opportunities for growth and improvement. This approach not only enhances problem-solving skills but also fosters adaptability and resilience in navigating complex business landscapes.

To excel in strategic thinking for your consulting career, continuously update your industry knowledge and engage in scenario planning to enhance foresight and adaptability. Build a network with thought leaders for diverse insights and approaches. Participate in workshops focused on critical thinking and strategic planning. Regularly seek feedback on your strategies to foster a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability. This approach will sharpen your ability to devise effective, forward-thinking solutions.

Complexity comes with consulting. If it were easy, they would not need consulting help. The key is figuring out how to break down a complex problem to it's piece parts. Once you've decomposed the problem, you can begin to look at root-causes and patterns to begin to understand what is driving a problem - and ultimately the options you have to address the problem. You may - or may not - be able to solve the problem 100%. It may be cost or time prohibitive to solve it completely. But perhaps you can address 70-80% of the root causes - and through that you have helped the client address and solve their complexity.

This is just like reading the entire book to understand the plot, rather than just a chapter. Go understand the Big Picture. It’s a MUST for us to understand the broader context and the strategic objectives of the clients to identify the root causes of the problems and develop effective solutions that align with their long-term goals.

💠 Thorough analysis forms the bedrock of strategic consulting. It involves meticulous data gathering, risk assessment, and future trend projection. By delving beyond immediate circumstances and incorporating historical insights, you unearth root causes and avoid superficial solutions. A comprehensive approach not only strengthens strategy development but also enhances decision-making efficacy.

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more! When there's a retiree that wants my retirement planning, I start by sharing my story and then encourage the client to tell me theirs. Once we connect on a personal level, I assess their financial statements and data to grasp the problem fully before delving into complex analyses for strategic solutions. This is where I analyze them very carefully to create a one of a kind financial plan that aligns with their retirement goals for their one of a kind life.

🔆 Crafting a winning strategy demands a blend of creativity and pragmatism. After problem understanding and data analysis, brainstorm innovative solutions while considering feasibility within client constraints. Balance out-of-the-box thinking with practicality to ensure implementation success and measurable outcomes. Effective strategies not only spark innovation but also drive tangible results that align with client objectives.

✅ Effective communication is paramount in strategic problem-solving. Articulate analysis and strategy clearly, ensuring understanding among stakeholders. Translate complex ideas into digestible concepts and use persuasive arguments for buy-in. Active listening to feedback refines strategies and fosters collaboration. Clear and open communication is key to successful strategy execution, bridging the gap between planning and implementation.

There is a tv commercial for a financial services company that states "they won't care how much you know until they know how much you care." I developed a simple solution to a problem on the production floor. I went to roll it out. I could NOT believe the resistance from the shift supervisors. I was deflated. I spent the next 2 weeks working with the supervisors. Ultimately we implemented the initial solution, with a few tweaks. But (and this is not to boost my ego) the solution was identical to what I initially proposed. I left the plant for 3 months. I returned for a checkup. Two of the supervisors came and hugged me. The solution worked. Moral of the story: communicate what you are doing, engage the customer in the process.

In the realm of consulting, executing a strategy often proves more challenging than devising it. This is because the execution phase unveils numerous unforeseen variables and uncertainties that might not have been apparent initially. Therefore, it's essential to maintain a dual focus: crafting the strategy while simultaneously considering the execution plan. Just as you analyze various factors when creating the strategy, take a broad view when developing the execution plan, considering all aspects that could impact its success. By integrating the execution plan into the strategic process, you ensure alignment between goals and actions, enhancing the feasibility and effectiveness of the strategy.

My consulting manager once asked me: "Have you talked to Walt this week?" I had not - as I did not need anything from Walt that week. I was heads down. "No Larry. I don't need anything." Next day...same question. Same answer. Third day...same question. Same answer. Fourth day...same question. Before I could answer, Larry said, "I didnt ask if you needed anything from Walt. I asked if you had spoken to him." The wisdom here is: Larry wanted Walt to know me as a person. Not just a pesky consultant. Talk about the weather, sports, the kids. Whatever. But get to know your client - so that when you do need something - they are helping someone they know and not upset about having to answer the darn consultant's questions.