This phrase... "I may be missing something," can save you
from creating ill will with a client or prospect.
Here's how it works. Your client makes a recommendation you disagree with. You explain why you disagree. Now that's
likely (depending on your client's personality) to cause more disagreement, and possibly ill will.
Tip: Simply end your explanation with "I may be missing something." and you will find your client will either:
a) rethink their position and gives a new recommendation, or
b) help you understand their way of thinking or
c) engage you in helping to create a new idea and recommendation
and with no hard feelings.
We, as consultants, should most often be right... but certainly not always. By showing others our willingness to accept being wrong, we open up clients to accepting (or realizing) that they may be wrong or not well informed. More importantly, we must always create a forum for open, knowledgable, respectful and clear dialog with our clients.
More on right and wrong (the perception, that is) in future tips.
