I enjoy my work, I enjoy people, and I’m in the process of reflecting specifically on my work principles. I’ve come to a realization—I am a mercenary, and so are many of my colleagues. This realisation comes from a visible change in the dynamics of the modern workplace, where traditional team structures have evolved into consultant-led collaborations – but our leadership approaches may not have yet – in essence, there are more mercies in the field than citizens.
Understanding the Mercenary in Commercial Space
The term “mercenary” may carry aggressive connotations, but let’s deconstruct it. In military terms, a mercenary is a professional hired to serve a foreign army, without allegiance to any particular cause, they are driven by contractual duties and their goal is to fulfil them. Similarly, consultants, much like mercenaries, are professionals hired to excel at their tasks, supporting their employer’s goals without forming long-term attachments to the business.
Despite our choice to be deeply involved with our clients and commit to quality service above and beyond the contractual agreement, consultants maintain a fundamental trait—we are hired to do a job. This distinction has implications for team dynamics and project delivery.
Impact on Team Dynamics and Project Delivery
My reality is that the traditional approaches to fostering team cohesion through personal interactions may not be applicable in a world where consultants outnumber employees. Mercenaries, by nature, prioritize results over personal relationships. While we may engage in interpersonal activities, expecting an investment in deeply personal connections would be unrealistic.
This shift implies that project delivery is now more transactional than emotional. Consultants are driven by understanding and delivering on the project’s objectives, not by a profound sense of commitment to a vision. This doesn’t mean consultants lack excitement or emotional interest in their projects, but such sentiments shouldn’t be expected or taken for granted.
The Merits of the Mercenary Mindset
One advantage of working with mercenaries is their straightforwardness. Unencumbered by fear of job security, we can provide honest feedback, making collaboration more efficient. Mercenaries focus on immediate problem-solving, prioritizing process-related issues over interpersonal dynamics.
Acknowledging this reality, our approach to building cohesive teams must align with the nature of the team itself. Instead of striving for a sense of unity, recognize that mercenaries are paid to “be a team,” and adjust your leadership accordingly.
Balancing Efficiency with Humanity
As someone tasked with optimizing team performance, I grapple with a unique dichotomy. While processes can be streamlined with methodologies like Lean Thinking, dealing with people still requires a more intentional investment. Accepting the mercenary mindset doesn’t mean abandoning empathy, but rather adjusting expectations regarding interpersonal interactions and individual development. People still need individual attention, people still appreciate being checked in with, and people still need to feel safe. These are the things that I can still provide to the best of my ability.
In my journey, I’ve accepted my identity as a mercenary. Striking a balance between efficiency and empathy is the key—respecting the trade, acknowledging the human element, and refraining from setting unrealistic interpersonal expectations is the way forward for me. Psychological Safety will always remain an instrumental part of any team, mercenaries perform better when they feel safe to work, and everyone does. I suspect that admitting to and embracing the identity of a mercenary might help promote psychological safety more than hurt it.
In this modern landscape of consultant-led teams, I’m shifting my focus from social dynamics to tangible results without losing my empathy and humanity. I invite you to reflect on the same and perhaps experiment a bit. After all, mercenaries are here to get the job done, experiments are part of that.
Mind, on the rocks?! 