10 Essential Qualities of a Remarkable Consultant
Whether you are an experienced professional or just beginning your consulting career, these insights will be invaluable.
The most essential principle to uphold throughout in a consulting career is the profound recognition and strategic utilization of the client's invaluable understanding and expertise of their business. It is with utmost respect for the client's deep knowledge of their business that we, as consultants, aim not to instruct, but to synergistically harness this wealth of insight, guiding it towards achieving even greater success.
1. A Client-Focused Mindset
The top quality of a remarkable consultant is indispensable i.e. having a client-focused mindset.
Consulting is not just about expertise; it is about understanding the unique needs and expectations of your clients. Let us dive into a case that vividly illustrates the power of tailoring your approach to your client's world.
Case: Tailoring Marketing Strategy for Client Growth
Client Challenge: Diverse audience, multifaceted objectives, and fierce competition
Consultant's Role: Immersion in the client's world, in-depth market research, and attentive listening
Tailored Approach: A marketing strategy crafted to resonate with the client's audience, address their specific goals, and outperform the competition.
Impressive Results: Expected 10x increase in customer engagement, and significant market reach expansion
Power of Client-Focused Mindset: Understanding the client's world and tailoring the approach to meet their needs is the key to success in consulting
Collaborative Journey: Consulting is a collaborative effort between the consultant and the client, with a focus on achieving extraordinary results by Delivering Excellence
Empathy and Dedication: A client-focused mindset means being empathetic, attentive, and dedicated to the client's objectives
This case vividly demonstrates the power of understanding your client's world and tailoring your approach to meet their needs. A client-focused mindset is not just about delivering services; it is about making a profound impact on your client's success.
Consulting is not a one-way street. It is a collaborative journey where the consultant and client work together to achieve extraordinary results. It is about being empathetic, attentive, and dedicated to the client's objectives.
Your success is intrinsically linked to your client's success.
2. A Consultant's Analytical Acumen
The world of consulting is complex and full of multiple challenges. A consultant's analytical expertise can work as a superpower in such a scenario. This quality can be used to churn huge amount of data, and information that exist in every organization to make informed decisions through such knowledge, and to develop a course to success.
Let us explore more to see the transformative power of this crucial quality in action.
Case: Maximizing Efficiency in Manufacturing
Client Challenge: Declining production efficiency and rising operational costs
Consultant's Role: Utilize analytical insights to address the challenge
Approach: Sift (data driven analysis) through historical production data for insights
Methodology: Dissect the manufacturing process, uncover bottlenecks, identify inefficiencies via the application of constraint theory.
Data Unveiled Patterns: Analyze data to find hidden patterns and correlations
Root Cause Identification: Pinpoint underlying causes of production bottlenecks
Data-Driven Solutions: Propose workflow adjustments, maintenance schedules, and training improvements
Expected Results: A 10x increase in production efficiency, leading to cost savings
The consultant works as a data detective and transforms the raw, historical data into actionable insights.
The consultant translates complex data into practical, real-world solutions.
He/ she demonstrates their ability to leverage data to significant competitive advantage.
Through curiosity and rigor in analysing data, capability to understand the stories data can tell, the consultant drives value creation for the client. This is a story of informed decision making and achieving tangible results.
So, as a consultant, whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, remember the transformative power of your AI (analytical intelligence, not artificial intelligence). Embrace the numbers, for within them lie the keys to unlocking success for your clients and, in turn, for your consulting journey. It is not just about data; it is about delivering solutions, making informed decisions, and achieving tangible results.
3. The Power of Strategic Thinking
Consultants must think strategically, providing innovative solutions and strategies to guide clients toward their long-term goals.
Case: Charting a Client's Path to Long-Term Success
Client Challenge: A client with ambitious long-term goals but uncertain about how to achieve them (most clients may fall into this category)
Consultant's Role: Strategic thinking to map out a clear path forward
Innovative Solutions: Crafting unique and innovative strategies that align with the client's objectives and value drivers
Long-Term Vision: Helping the client see beyond immediate challenges and focus on sustainable growth through a detailed 10-point plan to achieve 360 degree improvement in the following:
Performance Enhancement
Lasting Impact
Substantial Growth
Talent Attraction and Retention
Cultural Transformation
Increased Competitive Advantage
Enhanced Reputation
Client Satisfaction
Financial Benefits
Positive Organizational Impact
Strategic Thinking's Impact: It is not just about solving today's problems; it is about paving the way for the client's future success
Collaborative Growth: In consulting, consultants and clients work together to design the roadmap for long-term success
Vision and Innovation: A strategic thinker brings vision and innovation to the table, driving clients toward their long-term objectives
4. The Art of Effective Communication
Communication skill is a key quality a great consultant must possess. Effective communication, both written and verbal, is crucial for conveying complex ideas, recommendations, and strategies to clients and colleagues.
Case: Bridging the Communication Gap implementing complex strategies
Client Challenge: Complex problems and strategies that need to be understood and implemented
Consultant's Role: Masterful two-way communication to bridge the understanding gap
Clear and Concise: The consultant employs clear, concise language to explain intricate concepts
Tailored Messages: Messages are tailored to resonate with both clients and colleagues
Multi-Channel Approach: Effective use of written reports, presentations, and one-on-one conversations
The Art of Persuasion: Effective communication is not just about relaying information; it is about persuading stakeholders via a logical approach to take action
Alignment and Collaboration: In consulting, communication fosters alignment between all parties involved and promotes collaboration for successful project execution
Influence Through Words: The ability to articulate ideas and strategies effectively is a powerful tool in influencing decision-making and project outcomes
Look at this sample 150 words communication:
“We are excited to share the results of our partnership with a top consultant. Through strategic thinking and innovative solutions, we have outlined a clear path to your long-term success. Our 10-point plan ensures 360-degree improvements, focusing on areas like performance enhancement, lasting impact, substantial growth, revenues and profits, and more.
This accomplishment is a testament to our collective dedication and expertise. Our commitment and the consultant’s dedicated efforts played pivotal role. We conveyed complex situations, our objectives and ambitions and the consultant helped us to draw these strategies, and recommendations with clarity and precision. As a result, we have not only met immediate challenges but also set the stage for sustained growth. We are in the process of developing detailed plans and will keep bringing more to you as we make progress towards our long term objectives.
Thank you for your continued contribution. Together, we will make a lasting impact.
“
5. The Cornerstone of Ethical and Professional Conduct
Ethical and professional conduct is a fundamental quality in the world of consulting. It is the cornerstone of our integrity and reputation.
Case: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Face of Bribery
Client Challenge: A client, facing a critical regulatory review, desperately seeks a favorable report that would overlook certain compliance violations. To achieve this, the client offers a substantial bribe to the consultant assuring of more jobs at favourable conditions.
The Ethical Dilemma: Faced with a significant financial incentive, the consultant finds himself at a crossroads. However, he recognizes that accepting the bribe would compromise his ethical and professional conduct.
The Consultant's Choice: In an unwavering display of ethical behavior, the consultant refuses the client’s offer. He makes it clear that his commitment to the highest standards of integrity is non-negotiable. The Consultant must then decide whether that engagement should even continue based on the ethical makeup of the client.
Maintaining Integrity: The consultant continues to work diligently on the client's case, following all regulatory standards and guidelines to the letter. He provides a comprehensive and unbiased report, despite the client's initial request.
End Results: The consultant crosses a difficult milestone, refusing an offer of confirmed continued business in these challenging times. The client ultimately realizes that the consultant's commitment to ethics and professionalism is unwavering. While the report does not provide the desired outcome, it reinforces trust in the consultant's integrity. This also forces the client to make required improvements according to the regulatory needs.
6. The Consultant's Advantage: Interdisciplinary Knowledge
Possessing interdisciplinary knowledge is an invaluable trait of a good consultant.
In the ever-evolving world of consulting, the ability to draw upon expertise from multiple fields allows consultants to deliver well-rounded and balanced solutions.
Case: Operational Resilience & Beyond: The Consultant's Comprehensive Approach
Client Challenge: The client seeks operational resilience consulting and benefits from the consultant’s knowledge of the broader spectrum of potential risks
The Consultant's Expertise: The consultant possesses a wealth of knowledge in areas such as Business Continuity Management (BCM), Crisis Management, Risk Management, Information/Cybersecurity, Organisational Resilience and more including a level of knowledge of the client’s business and the industry sector that they operate in
The Consultant's Approach: Recognizing the opportunity to provide a more comprehensive solution, the consultant utilizes their interdisciplinary knowledge
Integrated Solution: The consultant combines insights from various domains to offer a holistic approach, addressing not only operational resilience but also potential risks in BCM, crisis management, and cybersecurity; also the solution is customized to the client’s business and industry sector
End Results: The client receives a solution that not only fortifies operational resilience but also safeguards against a range of potential threats, enhancing the overall resilience and preparedness of the organization
This case underscores the advantage of a consultant with interdisciplinary knowledge
Going beyond the client's initial request to provide a well-balanced solution exemplifies the qualities of a truly exceptional consultant. The client now starts considering the consultant as a partner (over a vendor), provides high NPS rating.
The consultant brings out-of-the-box resilience/recovery solutions to the client’s portfolio of options
7. The Catalysts of Change: Innovation and Creativity in Consulting
Innovation and creativity play a vital role in the consulting world.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, consultants must be innovative thinkers who can breathe fresh ideas into the strategic decisions of organizations.
Case: Sparking Change - The Consultant as an Innovator
Client Challenge: A client faces stagnant growth and seeks help to revitalize their business in a marketplace that continues to grow
The Consultant's Expertise: The consultant has a track record of innovation and creativity, backed by experience in driving change in various industries
The Consultant's Approach: Recognizing the need for innovation, the consultant proposes unconventional solutions, breaking some myths, collaborating with cross functional teams of the client, making them think out of the box regarding how to grow market share
Innovative Solutions: The consultant introduces new business models, emerging technologies, and novel approaches to marketing (e.g. small pouches for rural areas, VDI for remote working and security), challenging the status quo. Additionally, the consultant looks inward to foster organizational efficiencies and improvements.
Internal Focus: The consultant suggests enhancements in recruiting (employee-gets-employee), onboarding, competency building (to develop a culture of innovation and creativity), compensation structures (fortnightly payments, performance based bonuses), retention and technology utilization to drive change from within the organization.
End Results: The client experiences a revitalization, embracing fresh ideas, strategies, and internal improvements that lead to renewed growth and success to the tune of 10x.
This case highlights the transformative power of innovation and creativity in consulting.
Consultants who bring innovation to the table, both externally and internally, are instrumental in driving change and achieving remarkable results.
8. Bridging Differences: Cultural Sensitivity in Consulting
A good consultant must have and display cultural sensitivity.
In a globalized business environment, consultants must be culturally aware and sensitive when working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Case: Navigating Global Diversity - The Consultant's Cultural Sensitivity
Client Challenge: A global corporation with subsidiaries in both the Middle East and Southeast Asia is preparing to celebrate its annual Family Day. However, they face a challenge: how to commemorate this event in a way that resonates with employees in both regions.
The Consultant's Expertise: The consultant has experience in working with clients from various geographies and is culturally sensitive.
The Consultant's Approach: Recognizing the need for cultural sensitivity, the consultant tailors their approach to bridge cultural gaps and foster collaboration.
The Consultant's Approach: The consultant recognizes the need for a culturally sensitive and aligned solution. He conducts a cultural analysis, revealing that Middle Eastern employees value privacy and a separation of work and personal life. In contrast, Southeast Asian employees are more open to having families involved in company events and consider it a way of fostering a sense of community.
Culturally Sensitive/Aligned Solution: The consultant proposes a solution that acknowledges these cultural differences. In the Middle East, a more private and subdued Family Day event is organized, respecting employees' preferences for a clear boundary between work and personal life. In Southeast Asia, a livelier and family-inclusive celebration is planned, focusing on community building. The company has employees in each country from the other countries. The consultant conducts a Cultural Awareness training across the company before the event. This training module is made mandatory for ongoing business.
End Results: The company successfully celebrates Family Day in both regions, tailored to the cultural preferences of each. Middle Eastern employees appreciate the respect for their privacy, while Southeast Asian employees enjoy a vibrant, family-oriented event. This culturally sensitive approach not only strengthens employee morale but also promotes cross-cultural understanding within the organization. The company expects 10x increase in its performance based on better engagement and EX (Employee Experience).
This case underscores the essential nature of cultural sensitivity in consulting.
Consultants who understand and appreciate cultural differences are instrumental in fostering collaboration and success in an increasingly diverse business world.
9. The Consultant's Prowess: Problem-Solving Aptitude
Problem-solving aptitude is a critical trait of a consultant.
In the ever-changing landscape of business, consultants must possess strong problem-solving skills to navigate challenges and drive effective solutions.
Case: Navigating Complex Challenges
Client Challenge: A multinational corporation with subsidiaries in two countries is facing serious performance degradation. Same company, same processes, same products doing well in the rest of the world.
The Consultant's Expertise: The consultant is renowned for their exceptional problem-solving aptitude and has a track record of successfully resolving complex organizational conflicts, including those with international dimensions.
Approach: Consultant’s study reveals this to be a severe internal conflict. Two influential heads of departments, John from the United States and Jane from Japan, are locked in a damaging ego clash. Their constant disagreements have led to communication breakdowns, hurt team morale, and resulted in significant financial losses. Recognizing this, the consultant takes a diplomatic but assertive approach.
Problem-Solving in Practice: The consultant conducts confidential interviews with John and Jane, understanding not only their perspectives and motivations but also the cultural nuances that contribute to the clash. They also engage with the affected teams across both countries to gather insights on the impact of the ongoing clash with specific examples. The consultant facilitates a series of mediations, setting ground rules for respectful communication and collaboration that respect both American and Japanese cultural values.
End Results: The consultant's problem-solving aptitude, coupled with a deep understanding of cultural differences, and great communication skills allows them to guide John and Jane towards a more cooperative and balanced working relationship. The ego clash subsides, communication improves, and teams work together more effectively. Financial losses are mitigated as collaboration and synergy increase within the organization, transcending cultural barriers. The company expects overall 10x improvement.
10. Thriving in Turbulent Waters: Resilience and Adaptation in Consulting
Resilience and adaptation are also two indispensable traits of a great consultant.
The consulting profession often involves high-pressure situations and rapidly changing environments. Consultants must thrive in dynamic scenarios while maintaining a positive attitude.
Case: Thriving in Turbulent Waters - The Consultant's Resilience and Adaptation
Client Challenge: A globally recognized, "big-name" corporation with a reputation for high-profile projects is facing a significant dilemma. A high profile consultant has been engaged on a large transformation program, but the client appears to be dissatisfied with the progress so far, and raises serious concerns.
The Consultant's Expertise: The consultant is renowned for their resilience and adaptability, having successfully managed complex, diverse management systems and navigated challenging clients in the past.
The Consultant's Approach: Using all previous experience, and qualities mentioned above (1-9), the consultant goes deep in understanding the situation and establishes he needs to understand the client’s organization deeply (great understanding of the industry sector is not enough). Also, while the engagement is for Operational Resilience and he has great experience on it and some associated management systems like QMS, BCMS, ISMS, he would need additional knowledge of Information and Cyber security. The study also reveals low maturity of client on these management systems which are claimed to be in place for long. To add to the complexity of the assignment, the client keeps changing the requirements at fast speed. The client is in the habit of escalating to the consultant’s top management. Understanding the multifaceted challenges posed by the organization's big name, low maturity in management systems, and tough client dynamics, the consultant takes a comprehensive approach.
Resilience and Adaptation in Practice: The consultant quickly spends time and effort in raising his own knowledge in the required areas and implements a unified management system strategy, combining the requirements of each system to streamline processes, audits, and compliance. He also manages the client relationship with diplomacy and professionalism, meeting the high expectations and demands with a positive attitude – the traits that he had learnt in Managing Difficult Client Interactions in the ‘Delivering Excellence’ course. The consultant ensures that there is a single internal customer contact who is empowered to set direction. The consultant documents requirements at key milestones, addressing the ongoing requirement change with the client contact as the issues and approach continues to shift.
End Results: Despite the organization's big name, previous low maturity, and the challenges posed by the tough client, the consultant facilitates significant efficiency improvements, cost savings, seamless compliance, and enhanced client satisfaction. The organization transforms into a model of resilience and adaptation within the industry.
This case underscores the vital role of resilience and adaptation in consulting, especially when dealing with the complex landscape of management systems and challenging clients within a high-profile organization with low maturity.
Consultants who can thrive in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments, manage diverse management systems, and handle tough clients are invaluable assets to their clients.
Conclusion:
Whether you are a seasoned consultant or just beginning your career, honing your above 10 skills is crucial for success in the consulting world. While you may not be able to have all in the beginning, it is a good practice to move on this planned journey.