Further edgy thoughts from Andrea Howe's "Get Real Project", in her essay "Intimacy 201" about how to be a trusted advisor:
Tell your client something you appreciate about him. Don't just think it; say it. ...
* Celebrate successes together. Give the tendency to be a Task Master a little reprieve. ...
* Be personal
Use your client's name when you communicate with him/her. They say your own name is the sweetest music to your ears. Address your client personally in your emails, voice mails, and conversations.
* Use colloquial language. Check the consulting jargon and multi-syllabic words at the door. Practice human talk. Simple. Straightforward. To the point.
* Be empathic in all your interactions. Empathy creates emotional connectedness. Stop to demonstrate that you're really tuned in to what your client is saying (both the words and the "music") before you ask your next question or make your next recommendation. ...
* Be willing to express your own emotions. They're legit too. ...
* Share something personal. The next time you're doing the Monday morning how-was-your-weekend-fine-thanks-yours bit, don't let it stop at a superficial exchange. ...
* Be bold
Acknowledge uncomfortable situations. Caveats are conversational jewels: "Wow, this is awkward..." or "I wish I had better news..." or "The timing with this is embarrassing..."
* Say what needs to be said. Practice doing it in 10 words or less. "We're not going to make the deadline" ...
* Take responsibility for mistakes. Yeah, it's risky. It's also human (we all make 'em) and refreshingly real. ...
(cf. Trusted Advisor (2012-12-23), Action to Raise Trust (2015-09-05), Principles of Trust-Building (2015-09-23), Three Little Words (2017-04-08), Get Real Project (2019-05-01), ...) - ^z - 2019-05-17