The Art of Helping: This is based on decades of experience from many professions. It must be authentic and pure. It is an engrained passion and drive to make others succeed.

The Art of Listening: Listen actively and emphatically. Listen to understand, with an open mind in order to learn and grow without any judgement.

The Art of Reading: Read text, tone, body language, to understand and learn, with an open mind not just to confirm biases or expectations.

The Art of Communicating: Speak with pure intentions to make sure you are understood, not just to sound smart and better than others. Ensure you are connecting with others.

The Art of Hybrid Consulting: The right mix of technical, functional, business, content, and marketing knowledge and the experience to see your projects through from start to finish.

The Art of Total Consulting: The combination of all these enables us to provide support and lift others. The skill and knowledge to adapt and adjust with the agility that only comes from a wide range of experience. It’s ingrained in our DNA.

#helping #listening #speaking #communicating #consulting #hybrid #implementation #eksperts #totalconsulting #dna

Last fall, I watched a road crew repave a nearby street. As I observed their process, tools, and methodology, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to implementation projects, systems and business transformations.

• First, a team assessed the street, marking up sections that needed attention. (Assessment Phase)
• Then, they posted signs notifying residents when the work would happen, ensuring cars weren’t parked in the way. (Communications & Change Management)
• On the scheduled day, they blocked off the street to prevent interference. (Project Prep & Kickoff)
• A crew trimmed tree branches to allow their trucks to pass through without issues. (Workshops, Data Analysis & Cleanup)
• Another team marked the areas that needed leveling. (Process, Workflows & Business Flows)
• Then, a crew removed the old asphalt and prepped the surface, filling in uneven sections. (Initial Setup, Configuration & Data Conversion)
• The final paving team laid down the new surface, sealing the job. (UAT & Final Data Conversion)
• Lastly, the first team returned to review and inspect the work. (Final Validation & Signoff)

Everything seemed well-executed. The street looked smooth and fresh.

But there was a problem, the connection to the side street wasn’t seamless. The elevation was off, creating a rough connection. Cars now slow down at the junction to avoid bumps.

So, what went wrong?

Each team did their part. The process was followed. Yet, the integration, the crucial connection, was overlooked. Maybe they ran out of time or budget.

Either way, the final signoff was done without true ownership, accountability, or a passion for getting it right. And months later, the problem remains unaddressed.

Now, why does this matter?

Many organizations operate lean, bringing in external partners, vendors, and temporary teams for big implementations.

These experts execute their scope efficiently. But what about your internal team?

Your staff already has a full-time job. They lack bandwidth and often the experience to fully engage and take ownership of the outcome.

One solution? Allocate budget to bring in temporary resources to cover their day-to-day tasks so they can focus on the transformation.

But even that’s not enough.

You need someone within your team who understands both business and system need.

However, most internal people don’t have current firsthand experience of managing these implementations from end to end, not to mention the vendor and partner teams who have their own challenges to work through.

Because, in the end, a smooth road isn’t just about the surface, it’s about making sure the whole journey is seamless. I have lost count of the number of projects that have gone off track and I was brought on to help correct and turn them around to a successful completion.

This is where an independent advisor is critical.

Someone who isn’t tied to a vendor or partner.

Someone without bias.

Someone who deeply understands your systems, business, and implementation. Someone who has been through this before and can anticipate roadblocks before they become problems.

Someone who works only for you, ensuring accountability, guiding teams, and advocating for your best interests every step of the way.

This is where Eksperts have a proven track record.

#hcm #implementation #projects #consulting #totalconsulting

1. Executive Leadership Coaching for HCM & Consulting Leaders
Designed for executives, senior consultants, and practice leaders to enhance leadership effectiveness in HCM implementation and consulting services.

Key Focus Areas:
· Leading complex HCM transformation projects
· Building high-performing consulting teams
· Strategic client relationship management
· Change management & stakeholder alignment
· Enhancing executive presence & communication

Format:
· One-on-one coaching (virtual/in-person)
· Monthly strategic coaching sessions (60-90 min)
· 360° leadership feedback tailored to consulting & HCM


2. High-Performance Team Coaching for HCM Consulting Firms
Empowering consulting teams to drive HCM implementations with efficiency, collaboration, and client satisfaction.

Key Focus Areas:
· Effective client engagement & trust-building
· Managing cross-functional HCM project teams
· Agile consulting leadership & problem-solving
· Conflict resolution & team synergy in HCM projects

Format:
· Group coaching (virtual/in-person)
· Monthly team development workshops
· Live case study-based training sessions


3. Leadership Development for HCM & Consulting Professionals
A structured program designed to develop high-potential consultants, project managers, and practice leaders into senior executives.

Key Focus Areas:
· Transitioning from consultant to leader
· Client-centric leadership & value-driven consulting
· Scaling HCM practices & operational excellence
· Developing a culture of accountability in consulting teams

Format:
· 6-12 month leadership development program
· Customized workshops & real-world case studies
· Personalized coaching & performance roadmaps


4. Career & Personal Brand Coaching for HCM Experts
Positioning HCM & consulting leaders as industry thought leaders and trusted advisors.

Key Focus Areas:
· Building an executive presence in HCM consulting
· Thought leadership & digital brand strategy
· Public speaking & conference engagements
· Networking & strategic career positioning

Format:
· One-on-one coaching sessions
· LinkedIn & professional brand optimization
· Industry speaking & media training


5. Leadership Assessments & 360° Feedback for HCM Leaders
In-depth assessments tailored to consulting and HCM professionals, identifying leadership strengths and development areas.

Assessments Available:
· 360° Feedback for Consulting & HCM Leaders
· Emotional Intelligence (EQ) for Consulting Success
· Strengths & Personality Profiling (MBTI, DISC, Hogan)
· Leadership Effectiveness in Client Engagement

Format:
· Personalized debrief sessions
· Development roadmap with coaching follow-up
· Targeted action plans for consulting growth


All can be delivered via these methods:
· Virtual & in-person coaching
· One-on-one & group coaching
· Customized corporate leadership programs

#coaching #consulting #leadership #HCM

What is Eksperts Total Consulting?

Eksperts Total Consulting is a dynamic and adaptive approach to business consulting that mirrors the principles of Total Football.

Just as Total Football emphasizes fluidity, versatility, and collective intelligence.

Total Consulting transforms traditional consulting by fostering agility, cross-functional collaboration, and holistic problem-solving.

In this model, consultants are not confined to rigid roles; instead, they adapt, strategize, and execute dynamically, ensuring seamless integration across business functions.

Total Football vs. Eksperts Total Consulting: The Analogy

High-Level Structure of Eksperts Total Consulting:

1. Strategic Positioning & Game Awareness (Business Diagnosis & Analysis)

• Conduct a 360-degree business assessment, just like a football team analyzes the opponent and field conditions.
• Identify opportunities, risks, and inefficiencies in processes, strategy, and operations.

Develop custom playbooks (strategic frameworks) for business transformation.

2. Agile Tactics & Fluid Execution (Solution Development & Implementation)

• Deploy cross-functional consultants who adapt strategies in real-time, similar to how footballers adjust their positioning.
• Utilize a modular consulting approach, where methodologies and tools are applied dynamically rather than rigidly.
• Ensure seamless execution by embedding consultants into different business units, acting as change agents.

3. High-Pressing & Control (Proactive Problem-Solving & Change Management)

• Just as teams press high to recover the ball, Total Consulting proactively addresses business challenges before they escalate.
• Utilize data-driven insights and real-time market intelligence to refine decision-making.
• Drive change through collaborative engagement with leadership and frontline employees.

4. Tactical Flexibility & Innovation (Business Agility & Continuous Improvement)

Just as Total Football players operate with freedom and creativity, consultants embrace innovation and experimentation.

Implement a culture of continuous learning to refine business models and processes.

Foster an adaptive mindset where organizations evolve with industry shifts rather than react to them.

5. The Winning Goal (Sustainable Growth & Competitive Advantage)

• The ultimate goal of Total Consulting is to create long-term impact, not just short-term fixes.
• Measure success through tangible business outcomes: increased efficiency, profitability, market expansion, and leadership transformation.
• Like a football team lifting the trophy, businesses achieve enduring success through strategic excellence.

Conclusion: Why Eksperts Total Consulting?

In a world where business challenges evolve rapidly, organizations need a consulting approach that is agile, strategic, and collaborative; not rigid and siloed. Eksperts Total Consulting embodies the fluidity, intelligence, and adaptability of Total Football, ensuring businesses stay ahead of the competition, maximize opportunities, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

After decades of consulting, I could easily write a post titled, “The Top 10 Lessons I’ve Learned.” But I’m not here to do clickbait.

My intention isn’t to gain followers, generate leads, or chase some fleeting boost in engagement. Instead, I want to share practical insights from my journey: what has worked for clients, what hasn’t, and how I’ve approached challenges. My hope is that this offers you something useful and enlightening. I know some prefer the list format so I will include them as well.

A Reluctant Start to Consulting

A couple of decades ago, I was offered an opportunity to step into consulting. My initial reaction? “I’m not the consultant type.” Here’s why I hesitated:

1. Imposter Syndrome: I doubted whether my knowledge and experience were well-rounded enough to serve as a trusted advisor who could jump into any project and deliver value.
2. Bad Examples: I’d seen consultants who overestimated their abilities but couldn’t deliver. Many were learning on the job, which didn’t align with my personal standards of integrity.
3. Profit-Driven Models: The traditional consulting model—focused on billable hours and revenue—clashed with my belief that consulting should prioritize the client’s success and long-term outcomes.

Back then, and even now, I see many consulting firms and agencies that prioritize profit over meaningful partnerships. After reflecting deeply on my experiences and accomplishments, I realized I had something unique to bring to the table. That realization gave me the confidence to dive in fully.

The Turning Point

My first consulting engagement was supposed to last two weeks. The client had a time-critical problem, and I was tasked with finding a solution. Within the first week, I tackled the issue with an out-of-the-box approach that worked where others had struggled. The results spoke for themselves: the client extended my engagement for over seven and a half years, involving me in every major project.

Why did they keep me around for so long? Here’s what I brought to the table:

1. Creative Problem-Solving: I quickly identified solutions that had eluded the client.
2. Ownership: I fully embraced responsibility for every project I was assigned.
3. Respect: I valued the client’s time and adhered to their organizational structure.
4. Active Listening: I sought to understand their needs and asked meaningful questions that addressed both immediate concerns and broader contexts.
5. Holistic Thinking: I connected the dots to identify and address potential blind spots beyond the immediate scope.
6. Clear Communication: By blending technical and functional language with a touch of humor, I reduced tension and improved collaboration.
7. Client-Centric Approach: I prioritized their success and long-term partnership over short-term metrics like billable hours.

The Results

Since then, I’ve worked with numerous clients and always maintained this approach. Here’s what I’ve observed:

1. Corporate Politics: Allowing internal politics or drama to seep into client relationships almost always leads to tension and failure. Maintaining integrity and focusing on shared goals fosters trust and collaboration.
2. Leadership by Example: Demonstrating accountability, respect, and positivity creates a ripple effect. It not only strengthens client relationships but also elevates team dynamics and corporate culture.
3. Creating Safe Spaces: Encouraging a supportive and transparent environment empowers teams and builds deeper connections that transcend the “job” mentality.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much more to say, but I’ll leave it here for now. If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read. I hope these reflections inspire you to think about your own approach and offer ideas you can apply to your success.

If you find this helpful, feel free to like, comment, share, and repost it to help others who might benefit from it.

Just because we can hear doesn’t mean we’re great at listening. And even if we’re good listeners, there’s always room for improvement. There’s a ton of info out there about why listening is so important, but let’s dive into a fun example.

Remember when AI models used to mess up simple tasks like counting the Rs in “strawberry”? They’ve come a long way, and so can we with our listening skills. Besides that, to get better, more accurate results, we need to provide additional details (parameters, prompt engineering). We need to ask ourselves, what other details we need to provide for the AI engine to better understand what we are looking for.

It got me thinking about this while listening to my music library with my various headphones. Each type—wired, wireless, in-ear—has its perks and quirks. Depending on the music genre, I pick specific headphones. Classical, jazz, live pop—you name it, I’ve got the perfect pair.

Listening to music this way has sharpened my listening skills. When I focus on different instruments like the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, I’m not just hearing the music; I’m dissecting it. I analyze the production, the mix, and the arrangement to understand what the artists are trying to convey. This deep dive into music helps me listen better in conversations too.

When I talk to someone, I try to break down what they’re saying, how they’re saying it, what they’re NOT saying, and the emotions behind their words. It’s like listening to a song in a different language—you need to understand the culture and background to get it.

Growing up, I learned a few languages, which helped me keep an open mind and absorb details better. Whether someone’s speaking French or Armenian, I don’t just switch on my mental translation mode. I also switch to thinking in that language, turn on my knowledge of that language/culture, and tune into their unique way of expressing themselves.

Now, about the AK47 and M16 firearm sounds—yeah, I can tell them apart. Growing up and surviving through my teenage years in a political and civil conflict in a third-world country, I had to learn these sound signatures. This is my way of trying to take something positive from the terrible years and events of my teenage years. I do NOT condone gun violence. I learned from this experience that one aspect of listening is categorizing sounds with minimal emotional biases.

The point is, we learn from our environment, experiences, and open-mindedness. When we listen, we should minimize our biases and expectations to make others feel safe and open up. It’s like listening to someone in a different language; we need to understand their words and where they’re coming from.

So, let’s keep working on our listening skills. Listen with an open mind to better understand, ask the right questions, connect, and improve our listening skills.

#AI #listening #music

Here’s the link to the previous post: https://eksperts.net/speaking-of-being-passionately-curious/

Why work with Eksperts when there are those larger consulting firms?!

Eksperts try harder to build long term relationships and not driven by stock prices and profit margins!

#clientadvocate #clientsuccess #clientrelationship #consulting #humuor

We’ve been working on a few things.

New product Coming this summer. Hopefully sooner!

#new #product #integration #implementation #software #comingsoon #announcement #transformation