Lean on me...

I'll admit it: I'm not a born leader. But I can be one hell of a good partner.

Being an introverted consultant, I'm something of an odd duck. For the past dozen or so years, my role has straddled the line between consulting and communications, facilitator and researcher. But always my sweet spot has been as right-hand man to a fellow consultant.

In a typical scenario, the value I bring is in owning the bulk of research, writing, and reporting, so that my colleague can train their focus on the client relationship, the process, and the nuanced business of helping an organization make change -- all of which is, in turn, informed by the data and perspectives I'm capturing. It's synergy!

Having the great good fortune to know so many top-notch consultants with independent practices, I understand that from time to time projects come along that would benefit from an extra set of hands...when a large consulting team is unnecessary, but even an expert soloist feels their limitations. Being able to call in a trusted wingman can make all the difference in the world, adding flexible capacity that enables individual practitioners to take on the occasional project that's just a bit bigger, with just a few more moving parts -- and which may be just that much more interesting and rewarding!

Batman and Robin had it right -- dynamic duos are where it's at. Complementing one another's strengths and getting to know one another's rhythms (and that of the client/project, of course) allows for rapid reality-checks and sounding-board feedback, another set of eyes to look out for what's missing or what's taking shape on the periphery, and rich collaboration that yields excellent results. Plus, it's more fun to work alongside a friend.

Critical to this type of partnership is that I don't bring a lot of ego to the table. That said, I do know my own value and the experience and insights I can offer -- not just as a researcher and writer but as a student of the sector going on 20 years. I think I have sound perspective to contribute based on what I have seen, but I also seek out and remain open to innovation and change.

I'm fascinated by the idea of being part of a nimble and fluid community of consultants that can draw upon one another to do truly great things. That's why one of my core practice areas is to serve as a subcontractor to other consultants. You bring the chocolate, I'll bring the peanut butter -- let's make something awesome together!