Character Compatability

Here’s the thing. No matter how much we tend to focus on processes, bank balances and other things, business really is just about people. That’s it. Large, medium and small companies all consist of people. Naturally things get more complicated the larger the organisation becomes, but generally the idea still remains the same – success is achieved if people can find common ground to get along and realise a mutual goal.   

This is therefore also a key aspect to keep in mind of you are deciding on someone to consult to your business. Why is it so important..? Let’s look at a typical scenario.  

Entrepreneurs tend to be driven and ambitious people that are used to getting their way and making things happen. Business consultants tend to be the type of people with a boatload of knowledge (academical and practical) that are used to be right most of the time. The dynamic now therefore comes in when looking at matching these character types up and trying to achieve something. The strange is that there are no set rules that really applies here or even guideline that one can work off. If there’s anything in the selection process of a business analyst that is entirely subjective, then this category would be it – character compatibility.  

History has proven that two ambitious people can get along and sometimes even feed of one another. In other instances it works better where a more driven character compliments a more quiet type of person. It’s impossible to say what will work all the time. So how doe business owners answer this important question…?  

Go for a lunch! Get outside of the context of the office and start having a chat about life, friends, family, hobbies, interests, etc. This is probably the easiest way to determine if you will be able to get along with someone or not and ultimately establish a successful, mutually beneficial business relationship.  It’s often at the lunch table, in an informal setting, where the best deals are done and where money is made. Why not apply this same principle in selecting the best analyst for your company. Now there’s food for thought…!