The core values shaping how we work

When we work with our clients to help them become more independent from their businesses, five core principles shape how we we think about consulting:

1. Bluntly, there are no easy solutions

As well as having absolute integrity and discretion, anyone who partners with you needs to listen properly to the complexities of your specific situation, as well as honestly ‘tell it like it is’ when difficult choices are needed.

2. Business is personal – who we are matters

Your unique combination of characteristics, relationships, values, talents and cultural heritage influence everything you do. This includes how you run your businesses, and needs to be factored in if you are to thrive.

3. Personal goals must lead financial ones

Making money for making money’s sake is empty in the long run. As an owner you should have clarity about the life you aspire to lead now and in the future, and build a business accordingly, rather than building a life round a business.

4. Create options, not dependence

Making the business independent of your ownership allows you to have more freedom in your personal life, creates a valuable asset that can be sold in the future, and builds financial stability in case of an unexpected tragedy.

5. Great partners ‘do’, not just ‘tell’

Business owners don’t need yet another person telling them how to run their business; they don’t have time. A great partner can energetically ‘get stuff done’ with limited direction from you, and is incentivised for long term impact.

Is there anything in this list that you didn't expect? Or anything you'd include as essential for a consulting organisation you're partnering with? We'd love hear your thoughts!