Back in late 2020, I was in a leadership role in the hospitality industry, and I was getting itchy feet. The pandemic had hit hospitality like a sledgehammer, and it looked like it would take a long time to recover, so it was time for a change.
I was considering going back into management consulting which I had left way back in 2013 when my wife and I were doing battle with our twin boys as they approached their second birthdays. Having previously worked in consulting for nine years, I missed the variety and challenge that comes with the job. To make an already short story even shorter, I explored several options before ultimately starting a role with Moorhouse in January 2021.
So, over a year on what are my reflections?
One of my main reservations about going back into consulting was whether I would be able to be effective at what can be a demanding job, whilst also continuing to be a half decent father and husband. I’m pleased to say that the balance is working out well. The increase in hybrid working brought on by the pandemic enables to me to split my time between home, client site and the office. It’s also refreshing that colleagues and clients are now used to the odd child, spouse or pet bursting into a conference call, in fact I think it’s made us all a bit more human.
I was also concerned that a return to consulting might mean a return to the stereotypical corporate mould, with all the buzzword-talking-in-riddles that comes with that. That’s not been the case. I’ve found somewhere I can be myself, somewhere that actively avoids the jargon and doesn’t take itself too seriously, a consultancy that delivers work that has a meaningful impact.
One of the most impressive things I’ve rediscovered is the consistent capability of the individuals and teams you get to work with in consulting. Sharp, and highly motivated with an ability to deliver high quality work at pace. The only flip side being I’d forgotten consultants are very driven and are continuously looking for a new challenge!
My last reflection has been how useful my time in industry has been for developing my leadership skills, and a fuller understanding of what it means to lead and own the delivery of change within a company. During my previous time in consulting, I had become used to relying on the irrefutable logic of the project I was delivering – the project made sense so why stand in its way? I quickly learned that the ‘deliver the project at all costs’ approach didn’t work, and my self-awareness needed to massively improve. My time in industry provided me with a greater appreciation of the importance of relationships, and how to navigate organisational politics to get stuff done.
It’s been exciting to apply my experience in my new role at Moorhouse by taking on a leadership role in the Government & Public Services sector to grow and develop a team to support our clients with a range of major transformation projects and programmes. So, if anyone is considering a move back into consulting, then I’d strongly recommend it. You will bring a lot of highly relevant experience – and it doesn’t have to hurt!
If you’d like a chat about a career at Moorhouse please do get in touch TomTwelftree@moorhouseconsulting.com.