While the old model for revenue is definitely gone already (even if oil tanker firms are holding on), I do believe the evolution of the hybrid, high value, outcome oriented engagements will rise as the supreme model in Knowledge based work and consulting. Major human skills (empathy, judgement, critical thinking, emotional intelligence) will be even MORE valuable in an AI hybrid world and will remain Evergreen
I don't disagree wih your thinking in general. The big consulting guys will still be selling and the same companies will still be buying. To me seems like your selling something here as well, sign up for Amsterdam. The same people who bought into similar offerrings will be buying and I'm not saying its a bad thing, just keep sharing what you find. Making money allows still drives the world and feeds us.
Trusted advisors will still out here, watchingand learning learning to enhance our value and servng the same type of leaders. No different than before. Good common sense and logic haven't changed like before the tools availablee are faster, more thorough, more accurate, and more helpful. The human dynamic I don't think has or will change.
Kind of reminds me of the introduction PC's, followed by the internet, and so forth maybe bigger than AI and for sure its forerunner.
There was still the need, more so than before, for coaching, advising, logic, as there are still humans at the helm and humans following. Human nature hasn't changed for too many generations to imagine. There's always been the trusted advisor to the ancient clan leader, to the tribal leader, to business owner, and to the organization. I don't think it will any different today or tomorrow.
With AI the trusted advisor has even more resources to be valued, more data to support ideas, test theories, make decisions, but being a close advisor understanding human nature, poviding common sense, and simple logic in my opinion will still be a "Most Valued Asset" for leadership.
If you're good and valued now I really doubt AI is going to reduce your value. You'll still be as relevant just add what AI provides to your already full toolbox.
Agreed. Everyone is selling things (as in trying to persuade other people to do something.) That's not a bad thing in itself. Personally, I am very interested in how the role of human advisors is changing when AIs are advising people 24/7. We'll see. I will write about my journey.
This is the clearest “consulting vs. advisory” distinction I have seen in a while. AI makes analysis cheap, but it makes responsibility expensive. That is the real shift.
One request: give us the operating mechanics. What does an AI era advisory board do differently, step by step?
For example: non delegable decisions, decision rights, audit and verification routines, stop conditions, escalation paths.
If advisory work is becoming stewardship, the playbook is the product. I would love to see yours.
Spot on, and that's the way I've been practicing advisory for quite some time. I was inspired by the kind of confirmation that was voiced by Mariana Mazzucato (the Big Con), to continue what I'm doing. I'd also stress the power of listening to the real needs. Love your critical insights. They are very refreshing and also show how we can integrate AI without losing our human qualities, as brilliantly described by Eve Poole (Robot Souls) and what she dubbed 'Junk-code'.
I've been an internal consultant (without the title for years) and then a leadership role managing a large chemical complex leading a significant turnaround. The only tools available were the existing management and workforce. Used basic common sense, simple, logic, and human nature to save a facility already identified for closure. Became a Top 5 Performing facility of 26. Had already studied other companies "High Performing Facilities" which was used as the template for what we needed to become for continuous success.
Took the lessons learned from the experience and developed an internal easy to understand and use change management processes. We openly shared interanlly and publicly what we learned and I was eventually hired away. The Turnaround Story and the Toolbox for DYI Change Management along with a website are in development. Having openly and freely shared the Story and concepts with others and I kept being told "You should write a book" Much harder than I thought!!!
I'll share more as it starts to be rolled out and would like your comments, input etc. We seem to be on the same general page on leadership and coaching. I don't won't lost what we learned internally. It's too valuable.
While the old model for revenue is definitely gone already (even if oil tanker firms are holding on), I do believe the evolution of the hybrid, high value, outcome oriented engagements will rise as the supreme model in Knowledge based work and consulting. Major human skills (empathy, judgement, critical thinking, emotional intelligence) will be even MORE valuable in an AI hybrid world and will remain Evergreen
Fully agree
I don't disagree wih your thinking in general. The big consulting guys will still be selling and the same companies will still be buying. To me seems like your selling something here as well, sign up for Amsterdam. The same people who bought into similar offerrings will be buying and I'm not saying its a bad thing, just keep sharing what you find. Making money allows still drives the world and feeds us.
Trusted advisors will still out here, watchingand learning learning to enhance our value and servng the same type of leaders. No different than before. Good common sense and logic haven't changed like before the tools availablee are faster, more thorough, more accurate, and more helpful. The human dynamic I don't think has or will change.
Kind of reminds me of the introduction PC's, followed by the internet, and so forth maybe bigger than AI and for sure its forerunner.
There was still the need, more so than before, for coaching, advising, logic, as there are still humans at the helm and humans following. Human nature hasn't changed for too many generations to imagine. There's always been the trusted advisor to the ancient clan leader, to the tribal leader, to business owner, and to the organization. I don't think it will any different today or tomorrow.
With AI the trusted advisor has even more resources to be valued, more data to support ideas, test theories, make decisions, but being a close advisor understanding human nature, poviding common sense, and simple logic in my opinion will still be a "Most Valued Asset" for leadership.
If you're good and valued now I really doubt AI is going to reduce your value. You'll still be as relevant just add what AI provides to your already full toolbox.
Please openly share what is learned at Amsterdam!
Agreed. Everyone is selling things (as in trying to persuade other people to do something.) That's not a bad thing in itself. Personally, I am very interested in how the role of human advisors is changing when AIs are advising people 24/7. We'll see. I will write about my journey.
This is the clearest “consulting vs. advisory” distinction I have seen in a while. AI makes analysis cheap, but it makes responsibility expensive. That is the real shift.
One request: give us the operating mechanics. What does an AI era advisory board do differently, step by step?
For example: non delegable decisions, decision rights, audit and verification routines, stop conditions, escalation paths.
If advisory work is becoming stewardship, the playbook is the product. I would love to see yours.
Indeed. I'm trying to learn all I can about it.
As always, great insights that make me think a lot. The question of how I will add value further down the line sits in my mind all the time.
Indeed. Tough question!
This absolutely resonates with me, and it's definitely true in a lot of the fractional work I'm doing.
https://engineeringharmony.substack.com/p/skin-in-the-game
Thanks, Alex.
Glad to hear the validation!
Spot on, and that's the way I've been practicing advisory for quite some time. I was inspired by the kind of confirmation that was voiced by Mariana Mazzucato (the Big Con), to continue what I'm doing. I'd also stress the power of listening to the real needs. Love your critical insights. They are very refreshing and also show how we can integrate AI without losing our human qualities, as brilliantly described by Eve Poole (Robot Souls) and what she dubbed 'Junk-code'.
Thanks Paul! Love following your work as well.
Thanks for following me.
I've been an internal consultant (without the title for years) and then a leadership role managing a large chemical complex leading a significant turnaround. The only tools available were the existing management and workforce. Used basic common sense, simple, logic, and human nature to save a facility already identified for closure. Became a Top 5 Performing facility of 26. Had already studied other companies "High Performing Facilities" which was used as the template for what we needed to become for continuous success.
Took the lessons learned from the experience and developed an internal easy to understand and use change management processes. We openly shared interanlly and publicly what we learned and I was eventually hired away. The Turnaround Story and the Toolbox for DYI Change Management along with a website are in development. Having openly and freely shared the Story and concepts with others and I kept being told "You should write a book" Much harder than I thought!!!
I'll share more as it starts to be rolled out and would like your comments, input etc. We seem to be on the same general page on leadership and coaching. I don't won't lost what we learned internally. It's too valuable.