Clear Expectations for a Successful Partnership
Guidance for discovery calls, exploratory conversations, and early-stage discussions.
This page outlines the principles that keep our work focused, respectful, and aligned from the very beginning. A strong partnership starts long before any contract is signed—it begins with clarity, communication, and shared understanding. These guidelines ensure that every step, from initial inquiry to active engagement, supports an organized and productive working relationship.
What We Ask of Clients
Do’s — Before We Work Together
DO be clear about your goals and what prompted you to reach out.
This helps determine whether the engagement is a strong fit from the start.
DO keep discussions to leadership-level participants only.
Bringing in staff prematurely creates confusion and expectations before a contract exists.
DO treat the discovery process as collaborative, not extractive.
The purpose is to assess alignment — not to collect free solutions, documents, or strategy.
DO ask questions about scope, approach, timelines, and outcomes.
The more clarity you seek now, the smoother a formal engagement will be.
DO communicate honestly about your decision-making timeline.
If you’re exploring multiple options or not ready to commit, transparency is appreciated.
DO pause internal initiatives that depend on consultant-led strategy until a decision is made.
Moving forward independently can derail the strategy before it starts.
Don’ts — Issues That Complicate the Discovery Phase
Don’t use discovery meetings as a substitute for paid consulting.
These conversations are for assessing fit — not for building systems, solving internal conflicts, or restructuring operations.
Don’t involve staff or assign tasks based on strategy discussions before the engagement is formal.
People need clarity — not speculative leadership transitions.
Don’t use discovery materials, recommendations, or lists without a formal engagement.
This violates professional norms, risks improper implementation, and undermines trust.
Don’t repeatedly delay decisions while continuing to request guidance.
Discovery is time-limited. Prolonged indecision depletes resources and creates misalignment.
Don’t represent the consultant as “coming on board” before a contract exists.
Premature announcements create internal confusion and set inaccurate expectations.
Don’t seek ongoing input, revisions, or feedback without an active contract.
Consulting and fractional leadership require formal authorization and scope.
A clear, respectful discovery process sets the tone for a successful partnership. These guidelines ensure that early conversations stay purposeful, ethical, and aligned — for everyone involved.
What You Can Expect From Us
We hold ourselves to the same standards we ask of our clients.
✓ Clear, direct communication
You will always know what phase we’re in, what decisions need to be made, and what comes next — no guesswork or ambiguity.
✓ Honest recommendations grounded in data and experience
We will tell you what you need to hear, not just what is comfortable to hear — always with respect and clarity.
✓ Professional boundaries and predictable workflows
You’ll know how to reach us, what response times to expect, and how we structure meetings, tasks, and timelines.
✓ Thoughtful stewardship of your information
Your data, strategy, and internal challenges remain strictly confidential.
Always.
✓A commitment to your long-term success, not quick fixes
Every recommendation is made with your future stability, scalability, and wellbeing in mind.
✓ Respect for your time and team
Meetings start on time, deliverables are provided as promised, and communication stays organized and purposeful.
✓ Strategic partnership — not one-off advice
We stay aligned with your goals, your capacity, and your vision. Everything we recommend is tailored to your business, not a template.
✓ Integrity in every interaction
No hidden agendas. No misdirection. No surprises.
Your trust guides every part of our work.
Successful consulting and fractional leadership depend on shared understanding and consistent follow-through. By upholding these expectations together, we create a foundation where strategy, structure, and meaningful change can thrive. This is the framework that protects the work — and ensures the partnership serves you well.
