I’ve realised I’m a better employee when I’m in consultant mode rather than employee mode. It came about by observing how I feel considerably different when in front of clients than I do in the office.
In consultant mode I’m:
- Braver with what I say out loud, less inclined to second guess the impact of what I’m observing through my experience
- Better able to articulate what I’m observing
- More energised because I feel more “me”
- Overall holding more of my own Authority
Contrast this to the less powerful employee mode:
- My focus is often limited to the immediate future
- I’m less likely to offer help and problem solve
- The urgency of others can become my own, leading to Frustration
- I measure contribution by compliance rather than value