I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, (maybe too much) Thinking about the images that comes to mind when we hear a word, and how our associations to the word are attached to our experiences. We color the words with feelings based on what has been, and suddenly, the same word has different meanings depending on what you’ve been through- Potato-potato you might think, but nevertheless that is where my mind has been wandering.

 A word that bothers me is how I become uncomfortable when I must present myself as a consultant. I’d rather call myself simplicity catalyst or something equally creative, but at the end of the day consulting is what I do. Think about it for a second. What images does the word "consulting" bring to mind? Endless, flavorless meetings? A sea of jargon, force-fed through PowerPoint presentations with graphs that, that in the end, mean very little to you or your day-to-day? Many consulting engagements today take a narrow view, focusing only on cost-cutting, process improvements or technology implementation. We focus on low hanging fruit, going back to what we already know, looking for safe traditional ways. But real transformation requires a more holistic curious and creative approach.

We need to rethink consulting as a journey towards meaningful outcomes for clients. What if we began to question these norms? What if we sparked a small, rebellious notion within ourselves and asked, "What else might consulting look like?"

Introducing "anti-consulting," not just rebelling but aiming for better, practical results.

Introducing the concept of "anti-consulting." It's not about rebellion for rebellion's sake, you understand. It's about seeking more substantial, actionable outcomes. It's about challenging convention and promising not just theory, but practices that translate into somethings perceptible - results you can see, touch, and feel. Outcomes that create real, sustainable impact on their business and people. We truly partner with our clients, and we become their trusted allied.

When we shift our perspective this way, it opens new possibilities. We can bring a deeper focus on people - how to engage talent and build capabilities in our leaders. We can take a long-term view that considers culture and change management. We can leverage technology as an enabler versus an end solution. When our clients give us permission to point out the possibilities and room for improvement, and then trust and implement the ideas, the success rate of consulting efforts will increase.

And who knows maybe by then, as a bonus, even the connotation to the word consultant might be ok.