Consulting Research

Random Acts of Management!

2009-03-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

What works?

Ultimately, some manner of execution. Excel sheets do not guide day to day actions.

The ability to inspire, the ability to energize and DO. The ability to make people feel part of a larger vision in which their role is indispensable. That works.

Endless strategy sessions are forgotten the very next day. Especially if nothing is communicated and if 'management' refuses to talk!

Whats the use?

2008-12-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

So many high IQ guys, so much of data and information, so much of hindsight wisdom - but none predicted the crisis.

Competencies

2008-10-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Framework done and now the hard part - getting people tested. How will they react? How do I communicate effectively? Clues?

Competencies

2008-09-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

The whole subject of consulting competencies is very interesting. I have the charter of defining it and actually doing a competency assessment

Whether its being a subject matter expert or being a charismatic magnet around clients, each competency needs to be understood and measured. I'm giving it a decent shot.

Working with Academia

2008-05-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

It's interesting that academics want to work so closely with industry. But its common sense - academicians get important practical experience while consultants gain access to fresh ideas and some serious brain power.

I'm in positive discussions with many Universities to get such interactions going at various levels - whether its MBA interns or faculty embedded in our engagements or more.

Collaborate!

2008-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Are you consulting somewhere? Do you have an interest in abstracting from the engagement and trying to formulate a theory? Lets talk! Send contact details!

On Training to be a Consultant

2008-04-05T00:43:00.000-07:00

Can you train to be a Consultant?

I suppose the answer is Yes and No.

Fundamental personality traits are difficult to change. If you are an introvert and don't enjoy mixing with people, feel tongue-tied in a crowd or prefer stability and predictability, its difficult to change. But give me a guy with a good attitude, a dash of humility, a love for written and verbal expression, a desire to learn something new everyday and a hunger to catalyze change - well, that would be enough.

Methodology

2008-04-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Consulting ability cannot stand alone - it does need the help of a 'way of working', a methodology. Talking about a methodology gives a client a sense of assurance that the consultant has taken the time to leverage his experience and create a definitive, reasonably predictable system that has a good chance of delivering results. Of course, every engagement is different and should be approached as such.

Its useful for marketing, conveying a sense of uniformity of purpose and actually helps build a culture within the consulting group.

What are your thoughts?

More comments received on Consultant Qualities

2008-04-02T00:21:00.000-07:00

I received this via email.

the ability to influence without position power
be able to advise people within a client system that you are only recently familiar with, based on your knowledge of industry and organizations, beyond your domain area
not just comfort with change but also understanding the process and dynamics of change
also skills of seeking commitment and moving towards closure

Comments?

Qualities of a Consultant

2008-03-29T02:54:00.001-07:00

What makes you call yourself a consultant?

Presumably, many of the following traits apply, in no particular order

1. A great deal of confidence. An ability to plunge into waters of unknown depths, an ability to know that if you don't know something, you can find a way. An ability to size up any situation very quickly, and respond appropriately to client concerns, at all levels.

2. The ability to draw lessons. This looks similar to a problem I encountered elsewhere - let me draw parallels and work towards a solution.

3. Extraordinary communication skills. This means outstanding writing skills, incredible listening skills, the ability to draw out someone, a non-threatening body-language vocabulary.

4. A confidence in a basic domain.

5. The ability to demonstrate thought leadership in that domain using Items 1, 2 and 3

6. The willingness to handle change - problems, clients, team, engagement status and so on.

7. Understanding that travel is essential.

8. Active developing of a vast network

9. A willingness to share knowledege, resources and more.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Welcome!

2008-03-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

OK, I've just started this blog to focus on ideas and thoughts about Consulting Research.

Whats consulting? Who is a consultant? What makes for a successful consultant? What are - or should be - their competencies at various levels?

What about methodology and checking on an engagement's progress?

I am the Head of Consulting Training and Research at a Large Well-known firm. I'll give my two cents here and hope to interact with those sharing this interest.

All the best!