What a Business Solutions Architect at Avanade Wishes They Knew Before Technology Consulting
Meng, a Business Solutions Architect, wishes someone had emphasized the importance of conflict resolution skills before entering the industry, stressing that "the client is always right," even when wrong. Mastering collaborative problem-solving, focusing on solutions rather than blame ("How do we shake hands? How do we accept the alternative?"), is crucial for navigating challenging client interactions and achieving successful outcomes.
Communication, Problem-Solving, Conflict Resolution, Client Management, Collaboration
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Meng Qi
Business Solutions Architect
Avanade
Georgia Tech, 2014
UCLA FEMBA
Engineering - Industrial
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Technology
Consulting
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Conflict resolution skills are essential: Success in this field often hinges on effectively navigating disagreements with clients, finding mutually agreeable solutions, and focusing on collaboration rather than assigning blame.
2. Client management is key: Prioritize understanding the client's perspective, actively listening to their concerns, and responding with empathy. The ability to read body language and tone is crucial, especially in virtual communication.
3. The role involves more than just technical skills: Soft skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution are vital for success in resolving client issues and building strong working relationships. It's not always about finding the technically perfect solution, but the solution that works best for the client and your team.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before entering the industry?
The client is always right. And even if they're wrong, they're still right.
One thing I wish someone had told me when I entered this industry is that you're going to have to be really good at conflict resolution. You'll face situations where the client isn't happy with how a project is going.
Those conversations can be some of the toughest. What I wish I had learned beforehand is that often, what the client expects is for you to help resolve the issue and come up with solutions you can both support.
It's often not monetary. If you go into a conversation and ask, "What's your viewpoint? What do you think we should do?" and they're not happy with how things are progressing, you need to be good at reading body language and tone of voice.
You want to avoid disputes. You want people to stop fighting and start cooperating. I used to feel confrontational when having these conversations with clients, and it didn't go well.
I really wish someone more experienced had told me before I entered this industry that conflict resolution is about collaborating and coming up with solutions together. It's about agreeing on what's next, not playing the blame game.
It's not about saying, "Here's what happened, and here's why you're wrong." It's about acknowledging the situation, understanding how they feel, and then discussing how to move forward together with alternative solutions.