[Sigia-l] love thy client (was Re: [Sigia-l] "Study: Content Management Tools Fail")

[christina wodtke]

> But that being said, it is up to the consultant to work w/ a client to
> get out of them what you need. The knowledge is definitely burred in
> there somewhere that's for sure, b/c they wouldn't have hired you if
> they felt nothing was wrong.


Sometimes all that is wrong is a client is short-handed. When I was in the
hiring process just recently, I had a hard time getting the companies to
realize this. I hired the ones that got it fastest.

Listening is your most powerful consultancy skill. I have come to believe
that doing a usability test and doing a client meeting is very similar.
Don't lead, encourage clear communication, listen with an unbiased mind.

Sorry if I came off harsh, but I have found this attitude pervasive in
consultants, and seductive when I was consulting. It's dangerous.