Rule of 2 and 1

At any job, proving your value to the customer is critical. This is especially true of consultants. We do not sell a product, so being knowledgeable and helpful are extremely important.

One way we show our value is through talking. We can explain our knowledge, relay anecdotes from other projects, or just find ways to relate to those around us, both personally and professionally. Talking is definitely a huge part of our daily tasks.

It is important to remember that listening is equally, if not more important. Many solutions are found in the definition of the problem. If you listen closely enough to the question, often the route to the solution becomes more clear. Do not be that person that is just talking or waiting on their turn to talk.

Customers, coworkers, friends, and family all want to be heard and often are saying something very important. You may be surprised what you learn if you practice targeted listening.

I’ll leave you with two clichés that always run through my head:

Our bodies were designed with 2 ears and one mouth. I do not believe that was coincidence.

It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Until next time…we are Advoco, make every minute count.

About Craig: Craig Page is a self-proclaimed “data geek” with nearly 20 years of EAM/maintenance consulting experience. His favorite work is data migrations. He enjoys solving the puzzle to make the data fit and keep the integrity of the information. When Craig isn’t in front of a computer, he is probably running a chainsaw or a tractor. Have a question for Craig? Send him an email!