As I stood there, watching the Helium Pole exercise, it hit me like a ton of bricks.
I had been so focused on getting things done, on being the ultimate do-er, that I had forgotten about the human side of consulting.
It wasn’t enough to simply provide a solution – I needed to connect with my clients, to understand their emotions and motivations, and to help guide them through the process. Sure, I knew my stuff. I was reliable, knowledgeable, and smart – but what good is all of that if I couldn’t connect with the people I was working with?
It was time to rethink my approach, to become more than just an ad-hoc help desk. I wanted to be a top consultant, recognized not just for my technical expertise, but for my ability to connect with people and help them achieve their goals.
So, after I came back from the coaching workshop, I took a deep breath and decided to embrace the softer side of consulting. I started asking more questions, listening more, and empathizing with my clients. I discovered that by taking the time to understand their needs and concerns, I was able to provide even better solutions. And, to my surprise, people still loved me – maybe even more than before.
Now, I’m not just a do-er – I’m a listener, a root-cause-solver, and a coach. I still get hit with technical questions left and right, but now I’m also the go-to person for personal ones. And you know what? My solutions and recommendations seem to be sticking a lot better! Who knew that a helium pole could be so enlightening?
-Molly Chen