In the fast-paced world of consulting, the ability to ask insightful questions can be the key differentiator between average and exceptional performance. Here are 7 things you need to know about the art and science of effective questioning to generate superior outcomes.

We Discuss:

• How can consultants ask good questions without appearing incompetent?
• Is the Socratic method overused in consulting?
• How does asking questions differ across cultures?
• How can technical consultants improve their questioning skills?
• How can junior consultants ask questions of senior team members or clients?

Key Highlights:

• The importance of asking good questions as a consultant, rather than just appearing as an expert (00:02:58)
• Building rapport and psychological safety is crucial for asking probing questions effectively (00:26:13)
• The Socratic method can be valuable if used with humility and genuine curiosity, not to prove someone wrong (00:30:05)
• Cultural differences play a role in how questions are perceived and should be asked (00:40:09)
• For technical consultants, developing questioning skills may require intentional effort as it doesn't always come naturally (00:44:03)
• Asking questions demonstrates expertise more than just stating facts, though this can be counterintuitive (00:46:16)
• Good questioning involves being curious, open, caring about the intent, and can be learned through practice (00:45:22)
• Questions are fundamental to human existence, learning, and career development (00:45:46)

7 Takeaways:

• Effective consultants focus on asking insightful questions rather than simply demonstrating expertise, as this approach leads to better problem-solving and client relationships.
• Building rapport and psychological safety is crucial before asking probing questions, especially in different cultural contexts where relationship-building may be more important initially.
• The Socratic method can be a powerful tool when used with genuine curiosity and humility, rather than as a means to prove someone wrong or appear superior.
• For technical consultants, developing strong questioning skills may require intentional effort, as it often doesn't come naturally to those with an engineering mindset.
• Asking thoughtful questions can actually demonstrate more expertise than simply stating facts, though this approach may feel counterintuitive at first.
• Good questioning involves being curious, open-minded, and caring about the intent behind the inquiry, skills that can be learned and improved through practice.
• Questions are fundamental to human existence, learning, and career development, serving as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

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The consulting industry stands at the cusp of a profound transformation, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and changing business landscapes. Here are 5 things consultants need to know about adapting and thriving in the future of 2035.

We Discuss:

• How will the role of consultants change by 2035?
• Is there a historical analog for the current pace of change in consulting?
• What should individual consultants do to prepare for these changes?
• Will AI completely replace human consultants?
• How might consulting firms change their investment strategies?

Key Highlights:

• The discussion focuses on a Strategic Foresight Study for 2035 produced by 2b Ahead, a German research firm, examining emerging trends in consulting (00:01:10)
• There's increasing uncertainty and "fog" in the business world, making navigating uncertainty a key value proposition for consultants (00:06:09)
• AI and automation are impacting knowledge work and consulting more than previously expected, potentially displacing roles like legal and medical professionals (00:23:44)
• The pace of technological change and dissemination of information is accelerating, leading to faster development and adoption of new tools (00:15:02)
• By 2035, consulting firms may need to invest more in AI hardware rather than just hiring more consultants (00:29:29)
• Consultants should focus on recording their work in AI-accessible formats and developing "original thought" that AI currently can't replicate (00:31:40)
• To remain relevant, consultants should actively use and understand AI tools to improve their work and potentially create new business models (00:35:47)
• The potential impact of AI on consulting ranges from incremental improvements to transformative change if AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is achieved (00:34:34)
• Embracing uncertainty and adapting to new tools is key for consultants' future success (00:40:18)

5 Takeaways:

1. The consulting industry is facing increasing uncertainty and complexity, making the ability to navigate ambiguity a crucial skill for future consultants.
2. Artificial intelligence and automation are impacting knowledge work more significantly than anticipated, potentially displacing traditional consulting roles and requiring consultants to adapt their skillsets.
3. By 2035, consulting firms may need to invest more heavily in AI hardware and capabilities rather than solely focusing on hiring human consultants.
4. To remain relevant, consultants should actively use AI tools, focus on developing "original thought" that AI can't replicate, and look for ways to make their services more accessible and scalable.
5. The future of consulting will likely involve a symbiotic relationship between human expertise and AI capabilities, with successful consultants leveraging both to provide unique value to clients.

Here is the link to the full report, Strategic Foresight 2035 by 2b Ahead. https://2bahead.com/en/zukunftsstudie-kundenkommunikation2030-1 Patreon subscribers get the full document as well as the summarized set of slides. When you have a minute, go to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see all the free content. While you're there, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. Check out https://patreon.com/ConsultantsSayingThings and subscribe for special access to EVEN MORE content from the team.

The rise of AI in consulting is akin to the demise of the buggy whip industry in the early 20th century. Just as the automobile rendered buggy whips obsolete, AI and large language models threaten to automate many tasks traditionally performed by consultants. Here are 7 things you need to know about adapting to survive this disruption.

We Discuss:

• What is the threat AI poses to consulting?
• How do consultants USE AI instead of being replaced by it?
• How can consultants keep an authentic voice in the face of LLMs?
• What is the consultant's value proposition in an AI future?
• What types of consulting careers are most likely to be impacted?

Key Highlights:

• The consulting industry may be facing a "buggy whip moment" due to the rise of AI and large language models (LLMs) that can automate tasks traditionally done by consultants. (00:02:53)
• Consultants who don't adopt AI tools risk being replaced by those who do, similar to how those who didn't adopt typewriters were replaced by those who did. (00:06:45)
• AI tools can augment consultants' capabilities, allowing them to do more work at a better quality level. (00:27:36)
• The consulting industry may shift from providing free advisory content to protect their IP from being used to train AI models. (00:10:47)
• Consultants should be vigilant, view AI as an opportunity, skill up, focus on human elements, niche down, and get closer to clients to navigate the changes brought by AI. (00:33:56)
• Consulting work that requires human-level decision-making and capability will likely remain relevant in the short to medium term. (00:40:17)
• Consultants should protect their IP going forward to maintain their value and competitive edge. (00:44:01)
• Soft skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity will remain important for consultants as AI focuses on past data rather than innovative thinking. (00:30:32)
• Consultants who enjoy building machines (processes and new things) will have an advantage over those who prefer running machines (turning the crank). (00:41:10)

7 Takeaways:

1. The consulting industry is facing a potential disruption due to the rise of AI and large language models that can automate tasks traditionally performed by consultants.
2. Consultants who fail to adopt AI tools risk being replaced by those who do, highlighting the importance of staying current with technological advancements.
3. AI tools can augment consultants' capabilities, enabling them to deliver higher quality work more efficiently.
4. The consulting industry may shift away from providing free advisory content to protect their intellectual property from being used to train AI models.
5. To navigate the changes brought by AI, consultants should be vigilant, view AI as an opportunity, develop new skills, focus on human elements, specialize in niche areas, and build stronger relationships with clients.
6. In the short to medium term, consulting work that requires human-level decision-making and capability will likely remain relevant.
7. Soft skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity will continue to be valuable assets for consultants, as AI focuses on analyzing past data rather than generating innovative ideas.

When you have a minute, go to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to see all the free content. While you're there, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. Check out https://patreon.com/ConsultantsSayingThings and subscribe for special access to EVEN MORE content from the team.