Acumen walks the talk: Growing professionally in a nurturing work space

One of Acumen’s associates writes about his experience working with senior consultants — and what he has learned so far.   

“When praying for a job, also pray for a work environment that won’t lead to a depression, burnout, and regret.” — Gary Travis 

This quote resonates with me because in one of my previous jobs, there was so much toxicity that I did not realize how bad it was until after I left.  

I vividly remember the sense of relief I felt after starting my new role at Acumen Strategy Consulting, Inc. Little did I know that I would be instantly recharged mentally and valued by my new colleagues, especially the senior ones. 

Your colleagues, especially the senior ones, play a big role in your work life. If the higher ups are hard to deal with — then working together can be twice as tough. You could become irritable, get burned out, feel unwell physically, and much more. In contrast, I am pleased to say that my experience with senior consultants at Acumen is vastly different. 

One of the primary advantages of working with senior consultants of Acumen is learning from their extensive experience and expertise. These consultants have worked in various fields and have acquired in-depth knowledge of various subject matters. Their expertise allows them to provide valuable insights and recommendations that can drive the success of our projects. 

The senior consultants at Acumen are not only knowledgeable and experienced in their fields but also genuinely care about the project team members. They foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where everyone's opinions and contributions are valued. The support and guidance they provide have not only helped me grow professionally but also improved my overall well-being. The mutual respect and trust that exists within this team have created a positive and productive work culture. 

Aside from what I have mentioned above, what makes the senior consultants of Acumen stand out? 

1. THEY BELIEVE IN YOU — they show confidence in the skills you have.  Being a project manager means I have to manage, lead, and brief them. Even though our skills and expertise are very far from each other when it comes to the subject matter being taught, they still believe in my project management skills and the strategies I have in place. They will listen. They trust us that our project plan and strategies will achieve good results. 

2. THEY GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK — I would say that Acumen’s senior consultants really care for the company, its manpower, and for the clients. They are so much invested in your personal and career growth that they will carve out time to give you honest and constructive feedback professionally, on time, and in the nicest way possible. Because of this, I don’t feel backstabbed or betrayed. Thanks to their feedback, I am constantly growing in the career path I’ve chosen. 

3. THEY ADMIT WHEN THEY WERE WRONG — This might be one of the best traits that our senior consultants have. They have the integrity and humility to admit whenever they have made wrong decisions or overlooked something. They will do their best to make up for those mistakes even if it means going the extra mile. 

4. THEY LISTEN WITH EMPATHY — Listening with empathy involves more than just hearing the words spoken by others. It requires a conscious effort to put oneself in someone else's shoes, understanding their perspectives, and demonstrating genuine compassion and concern. The Acumen senior consultants excel in this skill, forming strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Their commitment to understanding and connecting with others is truly remarkable. 

5. THEY RESPECT PERSONAL LIVES – With Holistic Wellness being one of the core values of Acumen, the Acumen senior consultants embody this. They would really encourage you to spend your vacation leave work-free. Once they know you are on holiday, they will make sure they will not bother you and they will let you enjoy your well-deserved vacation! Same thing when they know you are on sick leave, you will receive messages and prayers for your recovery. Aside from these, Acumen senior consultants treat you as a friend. They will listen when you start sharing about your personal life. They will not interfere and meddle in your personal life, but they will give advice based on their personal experience because at the end of the day, all they want is for you to feel better and to calm your mind. 

Overall, working with senior consultants of Acumen can be a valuable opportunity to enhance your skills and expand your knowledge base. Their expertise, problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, leadership qualities, and effective communication and collaboration skills make them an invaluable asset to any organization. By collaborating with these consultants, I have gained and continue to learn valuable insights, overcome challenges, and achieve project success. 

In the same way, partnering with Acumen for your company’s Capability Building programs means gaining access to a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about driving positive change. We offer a supportive and collaborative space where, together, we’ll identify your specific needs and goals, and provide personalized guidance to help you achieve sustainable growth.