Value of Consulting

"Why do we need consultants to do this for us?"


This is a valid issue that should be raised each time consultants are considered for an assignment. However such a question is often framed in a way that hinders an objective assessment of the situation.

"Why do we need consultants to do this for us?" isn't the best question. It suggests consultants are being brought in to do something that your organization is incapable of doing right or doesn't know how to do. Rather we would suggest the issue of consultant involvement be viewed in terms of incremental benefit and value-added. In this context, we believe there is a strong case that our involvement can be an astute business decision on your part.

Our partnership approach can produce a better result than either us or the client working alone. Working together we realize significant synergies from the unique contribution each party brings to this joint effort. As a client you provide a detailed knowledge of your organization, its customers and capabilities. As consultants we offer perspective, process and insight drawn from extensive experience.

Lastly, we believe a prerequisite of joint contribution is that all parties must have an intense commitment to a successful outcome. In our experience, results will be less than satisfactory if either party does not consider themselves to be "on the line" regarding a successful conclusion to the assignment.


Consulting Success Factors

Define project in client terms Consulting output must be translated into client's desired results

Assess own readiness to change Only your organization can implement change - consulting work only represents interim step

Accept incremental steps for major initiatives "All-or-nothing" approach rarely succeeds - the most complete solution may not be most practical

Adopt a partnership attitude Close client involvement is a must - individuals within your own organization are key to implementation

Understand consulting strengths and weaknesses Strengths - independent thinking, extra resource, new ideas and techniques
Weaknesses - ineffective use of resource as "security blanket", "rubber stamp" or "management substitute"





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