Eric P. Butts

Career Coach. Management Consultant. Writer. Marketer. Accountant.

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I got called out by a kindergartener for underperforming (and he was totally right)

my kindergartener called me out

I’ve had quite a few occasions to talk about times where I’ve had to do some major self-reflection on my career choice to go into consulting. There was that one time that my son imitated me by grabbing my carry-on suitcase and bee-lining for the front door (here’s the proof). Sidenote: isn’t great how you can always trust your kids to hold up a distortion-free mirror with a reflection of ALL of your behaviors.

And there was this other time when my daughter told me she was so glad I came over…when all I did was come home…from yet another work trip. It was almost enough to make me quit management consulting.

I got called out again the week before last. [Read more…]

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5 Reasons You Should Be Proud to Ask Dumb Questions at Work

asking dumb questions at work

I was in this restaurant, home of some of the best pulled pork I’ve had in some time, and a noticed a sign on the wall that resonated with me.

It said “asking dumb questions is easier than correcting dumb mistakes”.

How many times have you been in a training or workshop or speech and had a question you wanted to ask but you held back because you didn’t want to be the person asking the stupid question?

Instead, you hold your tongue and try to quiet your curiosity until the urge to clarify your understanding passes. You can do better than that. [Read more…]

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What to do when you hate your project

Consulting Project Exit Plan

I can’t remember a time when I’ve seen so many colleagues leaving the firm. Some people are jumping because of a unique opportunity not available within the firm. Others quit go to a competitor (ouch!). I remember when I made a change to a competitor and there were a whole lot of questions about the why. Part of me just needed a change but I also knew that the firm’s timing wasn’t going to work for me, so I acted accordingly.  [Read more…]

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Life as a Consultant: The 10 Best Pieces of Advice I Ever Received

10 best pieces of consulting advice

One of the many things you learn in the management consulting business is there is no one path to success, so it’s interesting to hear what people remember as the most useful information or advice they’ve picked up so far. What better way to highlight this than to ask consultants from different firms what’s the best advice they’ve gotten. [Read more…]

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Are you the person who jumps or waits to be pushed?

Fall or jump

Last week, I had lunch with a friend who just left the firm to join his brother’s fast growing start-up. I’m sad to see him go but also respect the courage he has to go all in on the family business. The move comes with some risk and sacrifice, one of the bigger ones being he will spend a significant amount of time away from his wife.

A lot of people would say this could end badly for their relationship and/or their financial future. Those people would be mistaken and clearly missing a key piece of info that my friend and his wife fundamentally understand. [Read more…]

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Not Getting Promoted Might Be The Best Thing to Ever Happen To You

Getting Promoted

This time last year I was distraught about what to do next in my career.

I had just pinged my HR contact to figure out when the business cases needed to be submitted for people wanting to get promoted to director.

When he told me the deadline was a week ago, it was like he punched me with every ounce of force had in his body.

Panic. Embarrassment. Frustration. Anger at the system. Anger at myself. I was feeling all of it at the same time, to the point of physical paralysis. [Read more…]

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I went from hating flying to flying for business every week

 

Fear of flying for business shouldn't cost you your dreams

I hate flying.

The requirement of flying for business was the one reason I didn’t pursue consulting coming out of undergrad. Instead, I thought I wanted to go into audit. Auditors had to visit client sites, but my sense was most of their travel was by car. And that was good enough with me (After showing up for an interview without my pants, that plan didn’t work out, which you can read about at your convenience.) [Read more…]

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Shark Tank and the Importance of (Realistic) Self-Perception

 

Shark TankYou need to watch Shark Tank.

I know I’ve said it before, but you seriously should give it a shot if you haven’t seen an episode.

Aside from the entertainment value of my favorite shark Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’ Leary, I learn something new or am reminded of key business lessons practically every time I watch.

This weekend, I ended up catching up on the last two episodes. On each episode, an entrant into the Shark Tank stood out for their self-perception, but for completely opposite reasons. [Read more…]

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I was fired today

 

cautionary tale about being fired

Last week, I received a message from someone that gave me chills. It started with a simple declaration, “tomorrow is my last day at the firm.” While you generally feel people voluntarily leaving the firm is less than ideal, it’s part of the business world’s circle of life. When I probed more, that’s when the weight fell on my shoulders. [Read more…]

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I Showed Up For A Job Interview With No Pants

 

Pantless job interview

It sounds kind of ridiculous, right?

What kind of idiot would show up for a job interview with no pants?

It just so happens I know a guy. It also just so happens that this guy is me.

Much like another unfortunate incident where I accidentally ordered a veggie pizza, this story begins with me landing late in a Chicago airport.

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