A little respect goes a long way, whether you are speaking with the janitor or owner of a company will prove that you value them as individuals and as a cohesive group. Everyone has a role(s) to play including us as consultants and I have found the biggest benefit is when I teach. I often hear phrases like ???I don???t know computers???, ???I am not any good at this stuff??? or the opposite ???Well can???t we do this instead of this because my cousin who is in IT at college??????
I respond positively ???C???mon now you can do this, let me show you??? or ???That is great that your cousin is in IT have him give me a call to discuss???. It allows a relationship to be built with which a friendship can grow into lighthearted ribbing about rival sports teams, taking you into their confidence with water cooler gossip or being able to shoot zingers back and forth.
At first as consultants we will be questioned, untrusted and second guessed but as long we show a little respect, watch, learn our customer???s business and the people who make it work we will be lifelong partners.