The best consulting approach starts with a blank sheet of paper.
And that is exactly what very few people on either side of the table are willing to do.
In my work, I often hear experiences of working with consultants such as:
“The solution was already finished before we could explain our problem.”
“It felt like a standard solution — a new logo, but the same content.”
“Our real challenges were never truly understood.”
Yet it would be too easy to place the responsibility entirely on the consulting side.
Clients often demand quick answers and “best practices” before the right questions have even been asked. A common fallacy is assuming that if something worked at company A, it will work at company B.
But consulting is not a recipe book.
What it requires is a shared willingness to begin with not knowing — creating space for genuine understanding before solutions enter the conversation.
What excellent consulting looks like:
🔹 It starts with genuine listening, not assumptions.
🔹 It is individual, not recycled under a new name.
🔹 It is a partnership, based on clarity and equal footing.
🔹 It challenges both sides.
I am curious: What are the biggest differences between excellent, average and poor consulting — and what does each side contribute?
Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.
#Consulting #Trust #Collaboration
