You’re a consultant and your client is facing a complex problem. What’s the first thing you do?

You must — Listen — listen and listen some more. Really listen to what the client is saying and hear them. Focus your whole attention on the client and what they are saying. What not to do, is just as important. DO NOT be tempted to jump straight into solutioning mode. The fact is that you can't understand what your client needs unless you give them the opportunity to tell you. 1. First, listen to the client. 2. Then, in your own words, relay to client what they have just shared with you, check your understanding. 3. Ask some relevant follow-up questions. 4. Again, listen to the client's responses. 5. Confirm your understanding with the client. This means asking questions and then listening — really listening — to the answers.

The first thing I would do would be to interview the relevant stakeholders on a one-to-one basis. I would ask them open questions about what they thought the underlying problem and its causes where, as well as what they thought the solution was. Most importantly I would be listening for similarities and differences between their answers. And I would be listening to each as if they were right, even though I aware that if they have different views they can't all be right. It is the differences, in particular, that would inform how and where I would go digging for additional insight.

Para um bom diagnóstico, primeiramente, é preciso olhar para o todo, evitando detalhismo. Para isso, costumo começar com 3 pilares, sendo eles: - Qual é seu planejamento estratégico? Existe uma visão clara e um plano de vôo? - Como a sua empresa está estruturada para alcançar esse plano (Cadeia de Valor)? - Quais são os principais stakeholders (estrutura organizacional)? Conversando com esses principais stakeholders (nos níveis táticos e estratégicos, no primeiro momento - de forma estruturada e desestruturada) e em paralelo solicitando e levantando dados para responder as questões 1 e 2, é possível identificar os GAPs que impedem que a empresa (Cadeia de Valor) conquiste os seus objetivos (Visão).

In my experience, the first step in tackling a complex problem for a client is to listen deeply. I prioritize understanding their perspective, the nuances of the issue at hand, and the impact it's having on their organization. This involves asking targeted questions and encouraging open, honest communication. By creating a space where the client feels heard and understood, I can gather the insights needed to analyze the problem effectively. This empathetic approach not only helps in building trust but also ensures that the solutions we develop are truly aligned with the client's needs and organizational context.

Ask yourself. Am I the best person to resolve the issue? You may have contacts who have knowledge of particular areas of expertise that you don’t and admitting that is not a bad thing.

Understanding the client's overarching goals and specific objectives is paramount. Through thorough discussions and analysis, I collaborate closely to define clear, measurable objectives. This initial step provides a framework for our approach, ensuring alignment with the client's vision and facilitating effective problem-solving strategies. Clear objectives guide subsequent actions, enhancing focus, and maximizing the potential for successful outcomes.

Setting a clear goal is essential to a successful implementation. Try to avoid having too flexible of an approach otherwise the implementation may drag on. In saying that, there is also a need to be able to have some leeway when it comes to implementing. There is no one definitive method, so don’t be too hung up with what has worked before and try to do what may work better for this scenario.

Definir objetivos envolve identificar metas claras e mensuráveis para resolver o problema em questão. Isso é feito em colaboração com o cliente e outras partes interessadas, estabelecendo direções claras e fornecendo um ponto de referência para o progresso e sucesso da resolução do problema.

The first step entails devising a strategic plan tailored to the client's unique situation. Through in-depth analysis and collaboration, I formulate a roadmap outlining key steps, resource allocation, and timelines. This strategic planning phase ensures alignment with client objectives and facilitates a systematic approach to tackling the complex problem. A well-crafted strategy sets the foundation for effective problem-solving and optimized outcomes.

Análise da Situação: Avalie a situação atual, incluindo forças, fraquezas, oportunidades e ameaças (análise SWOT), para entender o contexto em que as estratégias serão implementadas. Identificação de Alternativas: Explore diferentes abordagens e opções estratégicas para alcançar os objetivos, considerando diferentes cenários e escolhendo aquelas que melhor se alinham aos objetivos definidos. Alocação de Recursos: Determine os recursos necessários, como pessoal, financiamento e tecnologia, e atribua-os de forma eficaz para apoiar a implementação das estratégias.

Os responsáveis devem traçar a melhor estratégia que gere a resolução avaliando tempo e custo envolvido. Também é necessário avaliar e contar com a participação e engajamento de outras pessoas no processo.

In line with Steve Jobs’ principle of never stopping to reinvent yourself, develop a flexible strategy that evolves and doesn’t settle for past successes. Disrupt your own approach before others do, making proactive changes and ensuring your strategy is comprehensive, logical, and adaptable.

Never attempt to plan a strategy until after you have gathered and analysed the data. (This article presents the steps in the wrong order!) The data will reveal the unique and actual circumstances of the problem and allow you to come up with a suitable strategy for addressing it.

Initiating with data gathering is essential. I conduct thorough research, collect relevant information, and analyze available data to gain deep insights into the complex problem. This step provides a factual foundation for understanding the issue's scope, identifying patterns, and assessing potential solutions. Data-driven insights serve as a crucial starting point for developing effective strategies tailored to the client's specific needs and circumstances.

É necessário considerar se existem informações disponíveis para tomada de decisões ou se essas informações precisam ser preparadas ou compiladas para se atingir os resultados e também para avaliar o custo-benefício do esforço a ser dispendido.

Gathering data, often from outside sources, is crucial to being able to offer an informed proposed solution, or solutions to the situation. This may require getting feedback from mentors, and/or other players in the industry who may have more experience with the particular situation in question. The data has to be grounded, reliable, and relevant to the issue(s) at hand, otherwise, there is no foundation to move forward to offer the best strategy to deal with what your client needs.

O "como" dessa etapa depende muito do contexto, seja pelo problema, tempo disponível, ou cultura da empresa. Busco ter algumas opções para escolher a melhor forma de coletar dados para cada ocasião, como: - Entrevistas: "me fale o que você faz!". Ótimo para iniciar, pois te dá uma visão macro, facilitando as dinâmicas seguintes; - Workshops de mapeamento e análise: exige maior habilidade de condução e envolvimento de todos, mas esse método é mais rápido, pois minimiza os retrabalhos; - Observações in loco: Leva mais tempo, mas pode ser necessário caso a iniciativa exija um maior nível de detalhe, como mapeamento de interações sistêmicas. Escolher as pessoas certas é fundamental; - Ponto-chave: coletar dados quantitativos e qualitativos!

Any consultant, have to check project details and process plan whether same with both parties. Check with team members for A-Z updates about the project including any small detail. Then discuss with client about the issue and rectify as much as and early as possible.

In line with Steve Jobs’ principle of sweating the small stuff, perform a meticulous analysis of the data collected. Design a beautifully simple yet detailed analysis, obsessing over every detail without cutting corners. Demand perfection in your analysis to provide clarity and direction.

The initial step is to analyze findings meticulously. I review available data, insights, and client input to grasp the intricacies of the complex problem. This thorough examination helps identify underlying issues, patterns, and potential root causes. Analyzing findings serves as a foundation for formulating targeted strategies and solutions, ensuring alignment with client objectives and maximizing the chances of successful resolution.

Com enfase em Analise os resultados: With the data in hand, it's imperative to analyze them to derive meaningful insights. This stage is where you transform raw data into actionable information — much like a sculptor shaping a block of marble into a statue. Analysis should provide clarity and direction, unveiling patterns, trends, and anomalies that will guide your decision-making process. It's a meticulous task that demands attention to detail and critical thinking. The quality of the data source is pivotal for effective analysis. Conducting a thorough analysis on inaccurate data is akin to compounding the initial error.

Analisar os resultados é como desvendar um quebra-cabeça. É onde mergulhamos nos dados para encontrar padrões e pistas que nos ajudam a entender melhor o problema. É como dar vida aos números, buscando insights que possam realmente fazer a diferença. Às vezes, isso significa encontrar correlações surpreendentes ou identificar tendências ocultas que antes não víamos. Mas não é apenas sobre os números; é sobre o que eles significam para as pessoas envolvidas. Entender os resultados nos ajuda a tomar decisões mais informadas e a encontrar soluções que realmente funcionem.

Exemplo se a empresa não possui uma análise de indicadores financeiros do balanço, após ter o balanço levantado de forma confiável e por competência inicia-se os cálculos e avaliações dos principais indicadores da companhia, como índices de liquidez, EBITDA (lucro operacional), entre outros possíveis.

Before implementing solutions, I prioritize understanding the client's needs and the complexity of the problem. This involves active listening, analysis, and collaboration to devise tailored strategies. By comprehensively grasping the issue, I ensure that the proposed solutions align with the client's goals and address the root causes effectively. Implementing solutions follows this thorough preparation, maximizing their impact and success.

Obviously preparing the ground for action is paramount and has to be carefully done first. Implementing the right solutions can be tricky but if the proper foundation has been laid, i.e. gathering data, strategy, understanding the issues fully, then moving forward and implementing the best solutions will work to offer your client solutions that will create the necessary results for the business to continue to expand and flourish.

When implementing solutions, it's crucial to avoid surprising the client to gain a "wow" advantage. Clients may not understand, lose trust, or dislike surprises. One of the initial steps to test the solution is by communicating it to the client, presenting and pitching what you intend to do. This open communication allows for feedback and ensures that the client is onboard with the proposed solution, minimizing misunderstandings and building trust throughout the process.

The implementation phase in consulting is indeed where the rubber meets the road. It's crucial to remember that this stage is not just about executing the plan, but also about managing change within the organization. As a consultant, you must not only have a deep understanding of the business strategy but also possess strong leadership and communication skills to guide the client through this transition. Furthermore, it's important to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the implementation and make necessary adjustments.

In line with Steve Jobs’ principle of embracing the crazy ones, implement the solutions by surrounding yourself with creative risk-takers and encouraging bold thinking. Create an environment where radical ideas can thrive, ensuring effective implementation through careful coordination and clear communication.

Keep sales out of the room because that always infuriates the customer! Solve the problem first and then discuss billing etc

The first thing I do is thoroughly understand the problem by gathering detailed information from the client. This includes identifying the root causes, key stakeholders, constraints, and desired outcomes. I then analyze this information to develop a clear problem statement and an initial action plan.

Some things are more complex than just implementing a solution. When going into understanding the complex problem the best way to understand the full story is to do deep research. The consultant should do some ground work and understand the root of the problem. In most cases the issue that is clear is just a symptom but not the real problem. When the consultant understands the full story, the next step is brining a few options to the table and allow the client to make a decision regarding the solution that they would like to implement.

The first thing I would do is to apply Mindfulness 🧘 to the issue. Doing so will give me an edge while addressing the complex problem. Any complex problem can be solved with the right approach and mindset. This can be achieved through Mindfulness. The above mentioned 6 aspects, can help you solve the problem but adding mindfulness can help you do it with ease. Mindfulness can add objectivity to the scenario.

Here’s what else to consider In line with Steve Jobs’ principle of staying hungry and foolish, never be satisfied with past wins. Approach each day with a beginner’s mindset, staying hungry and foolish to continuously innovate and create a future where your client's problems turn into opportunities. Share relevant examples and insights to inspire and motivate continuous improvement and adaptation.