How can you improve your consulting skills for sustainability?

3 Listen actively

One of the most important consulting skills for sustainability is active listening. This means that you pay attention to what your client is saying, and also to what they are not saying. You need to listen with empathy, curiosity, and openness, and avoid interrupting, judging, or imposing your own views. You can use techniques such as paraphrasing, summarizing, clarifying, and asking open-ended questions to show that you understand, confirm, and explore your client's perspective. By listening actively, you can build rapport, trust, and mutual understanding.

4 Communicate clearly

Another essential consulting skill for sustainability is clear communication. This means that you convey your message in a simple, concise, and coherent way, using language that your client can easily understand and relate to. You need to avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that might confuse or alienate your client. You can use stories, examples, analogies, and visuals to illustrate your points and make them more memorable and engaging. By communicating clearly, you can inform, persuade, and inspire your client.

5 Collaborate effectively

As a consultant for sustainability, you often have to work with other consultants, experts, or partners to deliver your projects. Therefore, you need to collaborate effectively and leverage the strengths and diversity of your team. You need to establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations, and communicate regularly and transparently. You also need to respect, appreciate, and support each other, and provide constructive feedback and recognition. By collaborating effectively, you can enhance your performance, quality, and innovation.

6 Learn continuously

The field of sustainability is constantly evolving and changing, and you need to keep up with the latest trends, developments, and best practices. Therefore, you need to learn continuously and update your skills and knowledge. You can do this by reading books, articles, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters, attending webinars, courses, workshops, or conferences, joining networks, communities, or associations, or seeking mentors, coaches, or peers. By learning continuously, you can improve your competence, confidence, and credibility.