Tag Archives: complexity

TNF #087: I love complicated clients

Welcome Professionals…

…Without complexity, there would be no need for top management consultants. This is why I stated “Complexity is your friend, my friend” in TNF #003. Sometimes, when it feels like we are drowning in complexity, it is helpful to relate back to that statement.

I would like to even go one step further. “I love complicated clients!” From an outside-in perspective, some clients seem to be complicated. They have lots of politics going on in their organizations, project tasks and timeline are issue to a lot of changes, they have side-problems that need to be resolved, they have a peculiar way of communication and so on. I think we all had clients like this.

complicated

Of course, I prefer when things are running smoothly, just as planned. When everything is just easy-going. But this might be a short-sighted view. If everything is easy, my service is at risk of being replaced by a competitor that is offering a lower price. Without complexity and challenge my added value is at risk of being commoditized.

All these clients out there who move time lines, change assignments on the go, complain a lot, are lost in details, have to succeed in political fights, or are just having a bad day – they need our help. This is where we can make a difference through our professional service and our positive mindset. Those who an deal with complicated clients have a USP.

At least thinking this way helps when someone complicated comes up….

Malte

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