The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

476: Handling client's difficult questions (Strategy Skills classics)

Aug 21, 2024

Discover effective strategies for tackling tough client questions during executive workshops. The importance of a strong consultant mindset is discussed, along with practical examples that showcase adaptability and communication skills. Explore how critical thinking and problem-solving techniques like brainstorming can turn challenges into opportunities. Learn the crucial skills needed to confidently engage with clients, even when immediate answers are not available.

15:10

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Quick takeaways

A consultant's mindset towards challenges significantly influences their ability to engage effectively with difficult questions from clients.

Developing skills like brainstorming and articulating thoughts allows consultants to navigate unexpected challenges and provide valuable insights.

Deep dives

Philosophy of Consulting Value

Understanding one's philosophy regarding value and self-worth in consulting is crucial for handling challenging questions during executive workshops. If a consultant believes that they should never be publicly challenged, they may become defensive when faced with inquiries, interpreting them as a threat to their expertise. Conversely, those who view challenges as opportunities for engagement with clients are more likely to respond effectively to difficult questions. This fundamental belief influences how consultants approach their interactions and whether they can adaptively address client concerns.

Mastering Difficult Questions in Executive Workshops

13min

The Power of Critical Thinking in Consulting

2min

For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic where we address how to answer difficult questions raised by the client during an executive workshop or another type of client's executive group meeting.

We start with discussing the right mindset any consultant requires to be able to effectively handle difficult questions from a client. We thereafter review the particular steps in addressing a client's difficult questions raised during a workshop or a presentation. Lastly, we dive into which skills are required to be able to handle difficult questions, especially the kind of questions for which you don't have an immediate answer.

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