I’ve spent about 4 years working in consulting and I’m curious about what insights other people have gained from this field. I work as a senior director at a big company that does consulting work for both clients and suppliers.
Here are some of the main things I’ve picked up along the way:
Keep it simple - Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be. Getting into every tiny detail is often a waste of time. It’s better to get the general direction right and bring some order to messy situations. I had a client recently say my straightforward approach was more helpful than the complex analysis they got from a fancy consulting firm years ago.
Remember the bigger goal - For businesses trying to make money, the main point is serving customers well. Making profit happens naturally when you do that efficiently. If you focus too much on just making money, you might lose sight of what customers actually need.
Start broad, then get specific - Begin with the big picture and add details as you learn more. Don’t let clients rush you into making decisions before you have enough information. Some people think this looks indecisive, but it’s actually the smart way to work.
Think like you own the business - Look beyond just the numbers and data from the past. Consider what new risks you might be creating. For example, switching to a cheaper supplier might save money upfront, but what if their quality is worse or they deliver late? Sometimes paying more for experience and reliability is worth it.
These lessons have really shaped how I approach problems and I think they’ll be valuable whatever I do next in my career.