When you start a new engagement, two things are usually true:
- The client is excited about the future and you represent the key to their success. Hopes are at their highest.
- The client is equally nervous it won’t work, and are looking for any signs they made the wrong choice in hiring you.
The better you are aware of these two contradictory but normal emotions, the better you can manage expectations both ways.
And it’s so important that you do.