Benjamin Franklin, a polymath of unparalleled wisdom, famously stated: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn.” This simple yet profound observation captures the essence of true knowledge acquisition and capability building. It is a principle that transcends time, echoing the teachings of Confucius centuries earlier, often summarized by the similar sentiment: “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
Fast forward to 2025, and this ancient wisdom is more relevant than ever, particularly in the dynamic world of business consulting. Enterprises today, especially those navigating the complex terrain of data modernization for AI and implementing sophisticated automation, are demanding a fundamental shift in how they partner with consultants.
The 2025 Consulting Mandate: Advise, Implement, and Teach
The era of consultants delivering hefty strategy documents or simply providing “bodies in seats” and then walking away is rapidly fading. Today’s businesses, facing unprecedented technological change and competitive pressure, require more. They expect consulting partners who can:
- Advise: Provide strategic guidance and deep subject matter expertise.
- Implement: Roll up their sleeves and actively build, configure, and integrate the necessary solutions.
- Teach: Critically, empower the enterprise’s own teams to understand, manage, and scale these solutions long after the initial engagement ends.
This third element – the “involve me” part – is where the real value lies. In fields like data modernization for AI and advanced automation, the technology is complex and constantly evolving. Simply having a system implemented isn’t enough. The client’s team needs to understand the why behind the architecture, the how of its operation, and the what of its maintenance and future development. They need to build internal muscle. They don’t just want a fish; they want to learn how to fish.
Why the Shift? Outcomes Over Overhead
This demand stems from a clear focus on sustainable outcomes and genuine return on investment. Enterprises recognize that:
- Dependency is Costly: Perpetual reliance on external consultants for core operational capabilities is inefficient and expensive.
- Adoption Requires Buy-in: True transformation requires the internal team to embrace and champion new technologies and processes. Involvement fosters ownership.
- Knowledge is Power: Empowered internal teams can innovate, adapt faster, and drive continuous improvement.
xScion’s Train to Sustain®: Meeting the Mark with Involvement
This is precisely where methodologies designed around knowledge transfer and client empowerment, like the xScion Train to Sustain® approach, become critical differentiators. This model is built on the understanding that effective consulting in 2025 goes beyond delivery; it requires deep partnership and enablement.
Here’s how Train to Sustain® aligns with the “involve me and I learn” principle for modern enterprises:
- Deep Expertise, Ready to Share: xScion provides Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and skilled engineers with the technical acumen for complex tasks like data modernization and automation. Crucially, they are selected and prepared to do the job and explain and transfer their knowledge.
- Supporting Transformation Holistically: The process isn’t just about installing software or migrating data. It involves working alongside client teams, explaining the rationale behind technical decisions, and demonstrating best practices.
- Facilitating Buy-in: Change can be met with resistance. xScion consultants actively help client teams understand the benefits of new technologies and processes, addressing concerns and building consensus. This involvement is key to smooth adoption.
- Hands-On Onboarding: Instead of just handing over documentation, the Train to Sustain® model emphasizes workshops, paired working sessions, and practical exercises. This allows client teams to actively use the new systems and processes under expert guidance, solidifying their understanding and building confidence.
The Power of Partnership
Benjamin Franklin and Confucius understood a fundamental truth about human learning. In 2025, successful enterprises are applying that truth to their consulting partnerships. They seek collaborators who don’t just provide answers but build capabilities.
By embedding the principle of “involve me and I learn” into its core delivery through approaches like Train to Sustain®, xScion meets this modern demand. It’s about moving beyond transactional engagements to build lasting value, ensuring clients not only receive cutting-edge solutions but are fully equipped to leverage them for sustained success long into the future. It’s not just business or technology consulting; it’s empowerment.