Horsing Around
The sporting dog life may include access to farms or barns and horses. The horses are usually quite curious about the dogs and sometimes the dogs are curious about the horses. It is an interesting relationship to watch and learn from. In the human world when you work as part of a consulting team, you can see some of the same relationship characteristics emerge.
Last week we were out in the field for a kickoff meeting on a new project set in the warmer climate and historic setting of Washington, DC. Our job does not often bring us into the field but this project is different and we are thrilled to experience this aspect. We met the entire consulting team comprised of sole practitioners to those working for larger corporations. The team calls New York City, DC, Buffalo, and various cities across Maryland home. Engineers, architects, designers, conservators, and business partners. We all shared a common goal despite being so individually different at times.
Taking a page from Lâffey’s playbook and how he approaches the many horses in the barn, we remain calm, allow the others to check us out and patiently discuss the project. We do not jump into the room loud and proud but enter professionally and with a calm demeanor. We understand the perspective from which each team comes and how we work together for the common good of completing the project.
Using this project method of bringing together expertise from many varied consulting firms creates a diverse and knowledgeable base. Each party will step up and perform their particular services and tasks for the common good of the project. The Prime Architect who oversees the design team provides direction, foresight, and a pathway for executing the team’s overall goal. And every now and then the members come together for some fun and horsing around like our mascot, Lâffey in our blog photo.
Working as a part of a consulting team versus a one company team has many advantages. It is a wonderful way to learn about the other professionals, their work, and how it complements our own. And we can even make new friends along the way.
Being part of a consulting team made up of many companies, is a great way for small business owners to partner on projects that individually they could not tackle. If you have the opportunity to be part of larger teams, we recommend you try it and see if it is a fit for you and your firm.
Be well.
