Consultation: The Hidden Force Behind Success

A little known secret

It is estimated that the average adult makes 35,000 decisions every day. Each carries certain consequences that could be either good or bad, potentially changing the course of a person’s life.

We have an infinite number of paths we can choose.

So how do we choose the right path? How do we know which decisions are good? How do we live a productive and fulfilling life?

A lot of the choices we make are instinctive or obvious and have little to no impact. Others, however, require thought, contemplation, and new insights before the correct decision can be made.

This is where consultation comes in.

Searching for truth

“The search for truth is more precious than its possession.” — Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

What we see in society today, whether in individual interactions, family discussions, or business meetings, for the most part, cannot be considered true consultation. Consultation is not merely the voicing of opinions, nor is it the transference of knowledge from one individual to another.

The objective of consultation is the investigation of truth.

We always want to make the best decision. We always want to have the best understanding of a given topic or circumstance.

No matter how smart or experienced we think we are on a subject or situation, having a discussion with others always has the potential to open our eyes to new thoughts and ideas. Each person is unique. They, therefore, bring with them, no matter how small, a different perspective regardless of whether this perspective is correct or not.

A different perspective potentially solidifies a concept, disproves it, or sparks a lateral thought that leads to a better understanding.

Consultation is the collective investigation of reality. To draw our thoughts and knowledge towards the enrichment of common understanding leads us to the depth of each problem and gives us the ability to find the right solution.

Leaving your ego outside

“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” ― Bill Nye

Part of the reason we don’t realize the true power of consultation is because in many cases it is not being carried out in the correct manner.

If we internalize the idea that all we are trying to do is find the truth, our motive should be just that. It’s not about appearing smart nor is it about pushing our own ideas.

Getting anywhere in any discussion requires humility.

Humility to actually listen to others. To give their thoughts the consideration they deserve and see whether there is any merit to them. Before expressing our own view, we should consider what others have said to advance the conversation.

Humility also means letting go of our own opinions. If the purpose of the discussion is to find the best outcome, holding on to our own ideas when they are potentially wrong, prevents progress.

Being attached to a point of view also means your ego takes a hit when a suggestion of yours gets rejected, or you become proud when it’s accepted. Caring about the way an idea is received limits what you share and may become an obstacle in reaching the best outcome

Purity of motive, humility, patience, and respect are all key components of true consultation.

Unity of Vision

“No power can exist except through unity. No welfare and no well-being can be attained except through consultation.” — Baha’u’llah

To truly succeed in any business, group, or community endeavor, there needs to be a unified, collective understanding of the circumstances and the resulting course of action.

Consulting with those involved, prior to any undertaking results in growth, progress, and unity. This doesn’t mean, however, that knowledge, experience, and level of responsibility are swept under the rug at every discourse.

A dialogue between equals should lead to a joint decision being made, with all parties united in their vision, understanding, and purpose. Consultation with those of different roles and responsibilities (i.e a manager and their subordinates), however, takes the form of a discussion with the final decision being made by the authority.

Finding the balance between opinions does not necessarily guarantee success. Truth is not a compromise between opposing interests, rather an evolving understanding of a single reality. As each person gives their input and is part of the journey to the final conclusion, a common vision and a sense of unity is felt, making the collective feel more confident and supported to move forward.

We don’t have to do what others say is right. We don’t have to ask others what they think before we make a decision. But what we can and should do is create spaces where we can learn from, help, and inspire others.

The decisions we make shape our reality and the reality of those around us. We are where we are because of the collective knowledge and experience of those that came before us. To build a better future for ourselves and our communities, why not call upon the help and support of those who share this world with us?