Energy & asymmetrical relationships
I have been a consultant on energy issues for decades.
A realisation – early in my career – showed that the relationship between the consultant and the client is “asymmetrical”.
I mean that the vast majority of relationships in a company or institution are based on a hierarchy. Boss and subordinate or between colleagues at the same level.
The relationship with an independent consultant is different! I am hired to discover alternatives that can improve – in my specific case – energy. And conflicts always arise because what exists needs to be improved.
The expectation is discovering what has not yet been discovered. What is best for the client, which does not necessarily coincide with what the client wants to hear!
A consultant, in this sense, is an “identifier” of conflicts and a “manager” of these conflicts. Not everyone is “ready” to hire a consultant. But those who take this initiative have a better chance of reaching and maintaining levels of greater energy efficiency.