As a technical guy, I always struggled with people skills
People management skills are critical for success in consulting, but they are also challenging to learn. It takes time and practice. Learn about one book that helped me radically improve my game.
I was socially awkward.
How awkward?
Think of Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory TV show.
Okay, maybe not that extreme, but I can relate.
I couldn’t feel people's emotions and empathize with them.
I started my career as a software developer, so I didn't need advanced people skills.
But I knew that was my weakest side.
If I wanted to become remotely successful, I had to fix that.
We live in a society, and to be successful, we must learn to work with people.
This logic was pretty obvious to me.
So, I worked on it for many years, reading books and applying theory in real-life situations.
I created my own system for interacting with people.
Yes, a system.
That's how my brain works - in systems.
Over time, that system became more sophisticated and highly functional.
Of course, It couldn't compete with naturally talented people, but it was good enough for me.
A big upgrade to what I had before.
When I joined strategy consulting, I felt like I was punching above my weight.
I reached its limits. It wasn't functional anymore.
And I was clunky, awkward, and abrasive.
One of my team members called me 'KGB' because of my too-direct communication style with clients.
It was quite funny but also a stark reminder of my issues.
I had to upgrade my system.
But I didn't know how.
I was looking for a breakthrough idea.
I had completed multiple firm trainings. Fortunately, MBB firms understand the importance of soft skills and invest heavily in them.
But I still felt that my system wasn't good enough.
Then, one day, I stumbled upon a book, Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss.
He is a former FBI hostage negotiator. You can’t get better credibility than that.
Although this book is about negotiations, it’s actually about how to connect with people.
His system of Tactical Empathy is brilliant and highly practical.
That book was instrumental in upgrading my people skills.
It's the most no-BS book on persuasion and negotiation.
It has allowed me to become a better negotiator, salesperson, and communicator, improving my career and personal life.
So, if you are anything like me struggling with people skills, I recommend you read this book.
My coaching program doesn't teach consultants people or social skills.
They are experienced hires, accomplished professionals, and comfortable with these skills.
But I teach them to build strong relationships with leaders and secure their support and sponsorship.
That's the most challenging thing that experienced consultants struggle with. But, securing sponsorships is essential for their career success in consulting.
If you're an MBB consultant struggling to build sponsorships and achieve high performance, Book a 1-1 Discovery Session to learn more about the Hero's Journey coaching program.
Learn more about the Hero's Journey coaching program.