I read once that Harrison Ford’s goal was to be easy to work with. He said it was a big reason for his enduring relevance.
This is a good lesson for all consultants. And yet, it’s a hard line to tow.
On the one hand, as an advisor, you need to have a backbone. To say hard things. To stand up for your ideas. To call out the emotions in the room.
You need to get business results—even if it creates occasional discomfort.
And yet at the same time, you need to have tact. To mend weakened relationships. To navigate hard situations with grace. To bring a positive energy.
Being easy to work with doesn’t mean being a pushover, it means being flexible. Like a tree that bends when it needs to without breaking.
Find a way to get business results while being easy to work with. It’s not just important—it’s critical to your success.