Christie Lindor is a management consultant, a great speaker, role model and mentor to many. Quality experience of more than 15+ years in management consulting companies such as Deloitte Consulting LLP and IBM Business Consulting Services gives her unique perspective. It became apparent to me as I finished the first few chapters that, this is not just an ordinary self-help book. “The MECE MUSE”, MECE is Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive and MUSE is a person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist. So from that point of view, this book is an honest account of Christie’s experience and an instrument of inspiration for people who are still in the struggling phase or who intend to become fast and sharp in their existing career.
The author presents an interesting perspective from multiple successful consultants. Christie Lindor as I mentioned earlier, is a noted, well known personality in the industry. However in this book, she has also documented experience of other successful consultants by conducting interview, documented their style and understanding of business problems. Motivation of executives in joining the world of consulting has been furnished beautifully. Book has 20+ interviews with the executives who have illustrious career in the consulting industry. This section, which is at the end of every chapter will be extremely helpful resource for those who are in dilemma, they will be able to make informed decision after reading the logical reasoning from those, who are considered authority in this area.
Coverage of this book is really wide and covers small and big details. It says that manners are the competitive advantage in consultant’s life. It then goes ahead and shows path on – how one can develop those manners that improves personal brand. Prescriptions for consultants on maintaining the work life balance and expanding their network connection is given with all its benefit. Part-II of the book is about transforming from good to great. quality work and team work is the core philosphy of this section. Helping others and working on constructive feedback has a cascading positive impact on every part of the consulting job. Additionally there is enough productivity tips that makes one efficient in utilizing the time. Great consultants need an advanced consulting tool kit, which consist of required information, resources and material.The tools of the trade for a consultant are knowledge and expertise.
One of thing that I liked most is the strategy of becoming great consultant from just an ordinary beginner and then transforming into the trusted adviser. I learned that It is the key step that every consultant should keep in mind. Trust and relationship has been placed at par with domain and subjective knowledge. Other section that I loved in this book are bonus at the end, great collection and references.
Appendix A: Consultant Toolkit Starter Pack
Appendix B: Summary of 100+ Selected Practices, Unwritten Rules, and Habits
Some of points from interviews were covered in earlier interviews I understand that author wants to put emphasis in the fact that these principles are accepted and practiced my multiple consultants but repeated details in each interview on matters related with trust and background research, I personally found a little dragging. Readers from non-consulting world might find concepts of this book ‘heavy’ at first reading.
A quick summary – This book has taught me good lessons,without a doubt, a very good reference to have for every consultants. It is equally useful for those who are already in the job. A must-read for those who want to understand the challenges of business consulting job and then improvise. This book is written with an intention of helping others, so the tips and tricks that the author presents, are guiding principle in true sense. I would rate this book 3 out of 4 star. Deducted 1 point due to verbosity in interview details that is furnished at the end of every chapter.
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