A service provider rarely thinks he has something to learn from a client. Consultants feel good about 'looking learned' on the job, whereas they ought to feel equally comfortable ' learning on the job'. An old case study of a Danish dairy talks about a Linear Programming model they developed to work out the 'least cost fodder mix'. The exercise was to come out with a mix of such ingredients to get most nutritious cattle feed at the least cost. Considering that the fodder bill of a large farm could run into millions of dollars, the LP experts were delighted to have come out with a computer formulation for the fodder mix that would save millions of dollars.
Human beings can be lot more complicated.
The important thing is to realise that the clients get maximum value when someone can help them to clarify to themselves as to what they are really looking for. The vagary and fuzziness in trying to grasp 'what do I need' is an area of discomfort for every client. It is in the interest of consultants and IT professionals that they develop genuine empathy and good 'enquiry' skills. Acquire a continually learning mindset. Shed their patronising approach.