Nine Skills of Great Consultant

 A good consultant can make the difference for your organization. But, what is a good consultant? And, how to find one that is worth the fee? Look for these nine value-added skills.

Being a good consultant isn’t easy. You need to be a jack of all trades to help your client and warrant the often high fees asked. As part of the research done for my book, “Strategy Consulting,” I’ve identified nine skills a good consultant has:

1. Attentive Listener. Be attentive and keep a close eye and ear on what is happening, and on what is being said and not said. Ask many questions and be comfortable with silence.

2. Principal investigator. Guide the gathering of information, judgments and opinions. Identify patterns and generate insights that other people do not see.

3. Discussion Leader. Foster a productive dialogue and make sure that people contribute, listen to each other and generate insights and decisions in a collaborative way.

4. Critical Inspirator. Bring in refreshing opinions and ideas that people within the organization have not thought of. Challenge the ideas and views held by the client.

5. Communication Channel. Use what you pick up and channel it to those who need to hear it. Don’t gossip and always be ethical, keep the organization’s interest in mind. 

6. Progress Manager. Monitor and make sure sufficient progress is made and that things proceed according to plan. Guide the organization and adjust when necessary.

7. Stable Anchor. Serve as an emotionally stable “tower of strength” who maintains and creates the necessary calm in the organization while going through change.

8. Moral Guide. Apply high moral standards and influence the client’s ethics. Don’t preach or lecture, but guide the organization toward what is right. 

9. Practical Educator. Share knowledge and skills with the client in order to improve their capabilities. Create an environment that stimulates and supports learning by doing.

For all consultants: do you have these nine skills and do you apply them in your work?

For all clients of consultants: does your consultant have these nine skills?

If so, great. If not, you know what to do.

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