When You Get Bit: Make Your Consultant-Client Relationship Bite-Proof

This week, my wife Pam got a literal bite on the back side! She was hand-delivering Meals on Wheels when a client’s dog zipped past the door and gave her an unexpected nip. She’s fine (a tetanus shot and a couple of sore & bandaged spots). But the surprise was a sharp wake-up call about how quickly things can turn if you let your guard down.

That “dog bite” moment is a perfect metaphor for consultant-client relationships. We often get comfortable, assuming everything’s fine, until something suddenly goes wrong—a small issue, a miscommunication, or a project that nips at you unexpectedly. It’s easy to forget that relationships, just like front doors, need attention and maintenance, or you’ll get caught off guard.

As we roll toward the back half of the year—with annual enrollment, holidays, and contract renewals—now’s the time to step back and check in to secure your partnerships. Don’t just let your relationships automatically renew and hope things work out. Take a breath, open the door, and look around to make sure all is truly well before another year comes crashing in.

Here’s how to keep your partnership bite-proof:

Clear Understanding: Agree on what both sides need now, not just what was discussed when you first started working together. Circumstances change—does your arrangement/working style still fit, or is something new sneaking in?

Review the Real Work: Are the day-to-day activities truly helping, or are you just checking boxes? It’s easy for extra “baggage” to slip into routines unnoticed.

Honest, Open Feedback: Make time for candid conversations. Celebrate what’s working and have the courage to address what’s not—before a small issue becomes a bigger bite.

Goal Alignment: Check that you’re both still chasing the same outcomes. Goals drift if left unattended.

Platforms like ours at Docent provide a structured way to open these discussions, track real progress, and avoid issues before it’s a problem—kind of like installing a better screen door.

Don’t wait for a "surprise" to remind you that relationships need regular care. Take a little time, have those honest conversations, and keep your partnership healthy and strong. It’s a simple investment that keeps the dogs—including the metaphorical ones—at bay.