12 Reasons Every Management Consultant Should Learn Bricklaying

In a world of strategy decks and transformation roadmaps, the idea of a consultant picking up a trowel might sound absurd. But bricklaying is a masterclass in the principles that define great consulting.

Earlier this year, I enrolled on a 10-week DIY bricklaying course through the Southeast Regional College (SERC), and as I progressed, it struck me how much similarity there is between consulting and bricklaying. Here is a festive inspired look at 12 lessons consultants can learn from bricklayers:

1. Quality Is Non-Negotiable

Every brick matters. A poorly laid brick isn’t just an eyesore—it compromises the entire structure. Similarly, in consulting, cutting corners on analysis or stakeholder engagement can undermine the success of a project.

2. Teamwork Builds Walls—and Empires

Bricklaying is a symphony of coordination. Consulting projects thrive on the same rhythm. Success depends on seamless collaboration between consultants, clients, and delivery teams. Watching a bricklaying crew in action is a reminder that synchronized effort beats individual brilliance.

3. Speed Without Sacrificing Standards

Deadlines matter, but precision matters more. Bricklayers work with pace, but never at the expense of precision (we hope). Consultants often face the same challenge: deliver quickly but maintain rigor.

4. Accuracy Is Everything

A wall off by millimetres can collapse. In consulting, small errors compound into big failures, inaccurate data or flawed assumptions can derail entire programs.

5. Craftsmanship Creates Legacy

Bricklayers build for decades. Consultants should aim for solutions that endure, not quick fixes.

6. Foundation First

No wall stands without a solid base. Likewise, every consulting engagement needs strong fundamentals such as clarifying scope of work, understanding what has changed for the client since you agreed the work and making sure your team are fully onboarded.

7. Tools Matter

Bricklayers respect their tools. Consultants should master theirs—people skills, data, frameworks, and tech.

8. Adaptability on Site

No two building sites are the same. Weather changes, materials run short, and unexpected obstacles appear. Bricklayers don’t panic—they adapt, improvise, and keep moving forward. Consultants face similar unpredictability: shifting client priorities, regulatory changes, or sudden budget cuts. The ability to pivot calmly and creatively is what separates good consultants from great ones.

9. Pride in the Work

Bricklayers often say, “My work will outlive me.” That’s pride—not ego. It’s about leaving behind something solid and enduring. Consultants should adopt the same mindset: don’t just deliver a report or a slide deck—deliver solutions you’d proudly put your name on. Ownership means caring about outcomes long after the engagement ends.

10. Patience Pays

A rushed wall will crack. A rushed project will fail. Bricklayers know that precision takes time, and they respect the process. Consultants often face pressure to deliver yesterday, but sustainable success requires patience—time to listen, analyse, and build consensus. Quick wins are fine, but lasting impact takes care and craft.

11. Continuous Learning

Bricklaying might look repetitive, but true masters are always refining their technique—new tools, better materials, smarter methods. Consulting is no different. Markets evolve, technologies disrupt, and client expectations shift. The best consultants never stop learning, because stagnation is the enemy of relevance.

12. Building Something Real

At the end of the day, bricklayers can point to a wall, a house, a school—and say, “I built that.” Consultants should strive for the same tangible impact. Not just recommendations, but real change: improved services, happier citizens, stronger businesses. If your work doesn’t leave a visible mark, what are you really building?

What do you think?

Consulting isn’t just about ideas—it’s about building something real, something that lasts. So maybe every consultant should spend a day on site, trowel in hand. It’s humbling, grounding, and surprisingly relevant. If you’ve ever learned a hands-on skill that changed how you approach leadership or consulting, share it in the comments. Or tag someone who’d appreciate this perspective.