> [all clients] all convinced their industry is unique ... should we tell clients what they want to hear or should we tell them what we believe they should hear?
Really critical issue. Furthermore, as they grow some consultancies become more and more "partner clubs" where peer support is just as critical as client business. Criticize too much how things are done, try to be a generalist and step on the toes of some partner in another industry, and you will not last long in the club...