So many business consultants often say that they are tired of being right all the time and wish that their clients or business associates would listen. They get upset and admit that millions of dollars were wasted because they just did not listen. One top-notched consultant from PA mentioned this to me not long ago. Indeed, as a semi-retired consultant, I must agree with her.
I also caution myself and others not to always blame the client, even though it is their fault for not listening. I remind myself that I am the mentor or consultant here, my duty was to convince the client or boss of the need for a coach, plan or adding of a team member or even arrange the meeting with a suitable one, if the boss would not take the trouble to do it.
It is my opinion that you have to take credit for the crash and burn too. It is a team effort, as a consultant I am on that team, that is what they pay me for. This is not the Donald Trump show. Remember these are humans we are talking about, and along with Murphy, well They can screw up just about anything.
You know, I am not sure if it is arrogance that is causing these problems, I think that is commonly attributed to arrogance. But some people who are not as wise use “The Puffed Up Chest Strategy” to remain in control and perhaps this is why they do not listen. You should read the “Our Inner Ape” current best seller I think.
Actually many people who appear to be arrogant or ego-maniacs, have fragile egos, they are very prone to not listening, but not all. Some are earned egos, others are borderline schizophrenic or socio-paths and how these people ever get into the business world is beyond me, but in the end people are fun to study, observe and such. As a consultant you see all sorts of things.
My consultant friend states; “It is that testosterone that gets in the way. So, now I’m frustrated. I’ve got 2000 stories like that….ego just ego and why? Because I’m a woman – I don’t know, I never play that card”
Yes, well I get the same thing too and I am not a woman, so I think the problem is on all sides of the business game. And perhaps I should remember that the most competitive games attract the most competitive men, so we have to expect this. Testosterone, indeed maybe the reason that the game is played at that high-level and that human energy transfers into innovation and drive to get it all done. I have 2000 stories also, sure I see that.
Yes women are looked down upon in certain industries still and in some circles, especially on Wall Street some of jokes get crude with regard to women. I cannot condone that, but understand that is how things are, even still, there is a ways to go before those issues are solved. Of course I would never say such things. I just like to win, I want the best team, if that team has women on it, fine – performance and victory. And if a woman is the consultant and knows her stuff, why won’t you men listen to her?