One of the things that I found most interesting was the lessons about communication. I have worked for plenty of companies and/or school districts where gossip and rumors fill the voids. If the people in charge won’t tell you what is going on, you have to find out something. Even if your source isn’t know to be reliable, you’ll still listen just to hear something. And usually, what you heard ends up being much worse than the reality of what is going to happen. But not always.

I have never thought of this as being part of the consultants role, but it does make total sense. Who would co-operate with an outside person if you thought that person could get your job eliminated? But if they don’t know why you are there asking questions, or they don’t even have the full picture, they may start guessing.