Power Skills
Designed for Consultants to spark real collaboration and high-energy learning.
Client Email Mystery
Read out an email from a client asking for urgent help with a vague problem, but offering almost no details. Ask: what power skill would solve this fastest — empathy, clarification, or assertiveness? Participants predict the top skill, then hear how a real consultant handled it.
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Why this works
When consultants guess before the reveal, the answer sticks. The mystery scenario grabs their attention and makes the importance of power skills tangible.
The 'Perfect Proposal' Myth
Show three statements about writing client proposals: (1) Perfect grammar is always more important than clarity, (2) Clients care most about our credentials, (3) Power skills matter more than technical skills when securing deals. Ask participants to vote true or false for each, then discuss the surprise.
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Why this works
Revealing common misconceptions helps consultants rethink their priorities. The shock of being wrong makes the truth memorable.
Sticky Notes Strengths
Hand out sticky notes and ask everyone to jot down one power skill they rely on most in stressful client calls. No need to speak — just stick it on a board anonymously. Watch the board fill up, then highlight patterns and celebrate diverse strengths.
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Why this works
Low-pressure sharing lets even quiet participants participate. Seeing everyone’s strengths posted drives home how varied power skills can be.
Rapid Room Reaction
Read three real-life consulting dilemmas out loud, like handling scope creep, managing a difficult stakeholder, or negotiating deadlines. For each, call for participants to stand up if they’ve faced it, sit if not. Then ask for a quick poll on the top power skill needed.
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Why this works
Fast, visible participation pulls the whole room in and shows how universal these dilemmas are. The debate over which skill applies gets hearts pumping.
The Stakeholder Showdown
Tell a story about a team meeting where two stakeholders push conflicting priorities. Ask: if you were the consultant, which power skill would you use first to calm the conflict — listening, reframing, or decisive action? Challenge the group to pick, justify, and debate.
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Why this works
When participants argue for their favorite skill, they see its value in messy, real meetings. The scenario feels familiar and the payoff is lively debate.
Personal Skill Story
Ask everyone to pair up and share a quick story: ‘Describe a moment when a power skill helped you turn a bad client interaction around.’ List a few sample power skills on the board to prompt ideas. Pairs swap stories, then share one key takeaway with the room.
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Why this works
Linking concepts to personal stories makes power skills feel real. Sharing with a peer lowers the pressure and helps participants realize they already use these skills every day.
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