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I am an A10
Much like the A-10 Wart Hog Airplane is the management consulting work that I do. Close in and ugly. I am a contractor at heart. That is why I do what I do. I love it. It's fun, stimulating and rewarding. Many construction firms are family owned. Helping families is work that gives back to your professional soul.
I am an A10 is not a designation of my good looks or my performance in school. If it was, the letter would be toward the "c" side and the number would not be double digits, it would be in single digits.
I don't think at 30,000 feet. I certainly know we have to be in the right battlefield if we are going to win. I do think at the global level but, not for very long. I do think at a low or close level to the battlefield (job site). More of my time is spent at the treetops.
One of my attitudes is "If you are in a fair fight, you didn't plan well enough". Suggest that at your next strategic planning session.
You may or may not appreciate the approach but, it is a detailed, knowledge driven one. One that is missing in the consulting industry. Since I am a fee based consultant (versus commission based), it is risky. I have to "dance for my dinner" or deliver real value. I don't benefit from clients buying products. Solutions and specific process is the product. Hard but, fun and very challenging.
"What is the right thing to do" is a lot easier if you are not commissioned based. The client and I benefit in many ways by answering only that question.
Posted by Matt Stevens at February 29, 2008 2:01 PM
Comments
Agreed Matt. Clients respect it far more when you've had the same grime on your shirt as they've had so to speak. I had to sell stock when I started my company to become completely unbiased and free from other interests. It pays to be transparent.
Take care.
Posted by: Doug Mitchell at February 29, 2008 3:01 PM