In Episode 2 of The HE Consultant’s Toolkit, Karen Heard-Lauréote explores one of the most crucial tools for any consultant: communication. From getting through the jargon-heavy world of Higher Education to handling tricky conversations with university leadership, Karen offers practical tips on getting to grips with communication in the consultancy space. Karen discusses the importance of tailoring your message to different audiences, the value of active listening, and the fine art of managing emails, meetings, and committee discussions. Whether you’re a new or seasoned consultant, this episode will equip you with the skills to communicate clearly, effectively, and with confidence in the HE sector. Key Takeaways:

Know your audience - in Higher Education consultancy, your audience will vary from academics to finance officers, and you need to tailor your message accordingly. Flexibility in your communication style is key.

Active listening is critical - don’t just listen to respond - listen to understand. Dig deeper into the problems universities face by genuinely hearing what’s being said (and what isn’t).

Avoid jargon overload - while HE loves its jargon, as a consultant, your job is to simplify and translate complex ideas so that everyone is on the same page.

Keep emails clear and meetings focused - emails should be concise and to the point, while meetings need structure and preparation. Be ready to pivot when the conversation takes unexpected turns.

Managing difficult conversations - delivering bad news is part of the job. Be direct, but always frame the conversation with constructive solutions that will help the provider move forward.

Build trust through communication - consultancy is all about relationships, and trust is built through transparent, consistent, and honest communication throughout a project.

Committee meetings survival tips - stay focused on outcomes, keep presentations short, and be prepared for questions from every angle.

Links to Relevant Resources:

KHL Consulting Website.

LinkedIn Profile for Karen Heard-Lauréote.

Network for Educational Enhancement Consultants.

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