Making the world a better place with irritation

Ingelstam never hesitates to irritate. Not because it’s fun to provoke people, but because sometimes that’s what is needed to start a process and challenge old truths. What would the roll of the consultant be otherwise?

Making the world a better place can sometimes involve upsetting people .
And all Anders wants is to make the world a better place.

So irritating no. 1: Let go of the belief that Swedes always do the best job.

Ingelstam’s assignment: The client wants to build up on-site administration, preferably Swedish.
Ingelstam’s message: I do not believe in that kind of Swedish presence in the field, and will recommend a different solution.
Result: Ingelstam gets the assignment.

So irritating no. 2: Get it all out in the open!

Organizations often say: It’s not that bad.
Ingelstam often thinks: Yes, it’s exactly that bad.
Ingelstam’s cure: Calmly but decidedly rub the sore spot until it opens up and the pus runs out.
Belief: Get everything out in the open so we can talk about it and clean up the mess.

So irritating no. 3: Chaos makes way for divine inspiration

The group: Is frustrated and confused.
Ingelstam says: Good! Stick with it and fight the temptation to take the easy way out.

Belief: A solution is closest when things are in greatest disarray. Confusion and frustration are followed by bright ideas which break through the hard shell of conformity.

So irritating no. 4: You don’t need to understand everything

Ingelstam’s insight: A good process is like fine art, you don’t need to understand everything.
The explanation: Trust that it feels right and things are moving forward.
The challenge: Everyone is antsy. They want exact explanations, simple solutions, road maps and timetables. Ingelstam’s job is to get people to stand the temporary feeling of bewilderment.

So irritating no. 5: Don’t always give the customer what he wants.

Ingelstam says no to: Giving the people what they want.
Ingelstam says yes to: Showing them what they can have.