Jill Sweatman What to Look for when Hiring a Consultant.........
Here are some key considerations when hiring an expert consultant rather than a good consultant. These qualities can
be critical and are often overlooked. Follow these simple tips and you will have a great experience in 2014.
Do they ask the right questions? Choreographing the right questions is both an art and a science. These questions will
be refined from years of experience and sound judgement. The situation first thought to be the problem, seldom is. It
is the duty of your consultant to delve into the chasm of complexity. They should be asking the tough questions. If
they aren’t, they are not doing their job.
Are they a good example? In fact, good is not good enough. An exemplary example is required. Know that in any
situation, the consultant will behave in a way that is professional, respectful and retain confidences. Sometimes, just
having a person around the organisation who is committed to high standards can make a subtle, yet significant,
impact on others.
Are they a committed communicator? A consultant must be an excellent communicator – articulate, poised, yet able
to mix in all company and have a sense of humour. Thoughtful and well spoken, they will be remembered, not just for
what they say, but how they made people feel.
Do they encourage involvement by all? Every person affected by a problem must be invited to participate in some
capacity. An expert consultant will respectfully insist on this. To disregard one voice, is to welcome defeat on a platter.
People support what they help to create. So allow each person the chance to participate and you will see many of
your problems dilute. The skill lies in designing events to create involvement with follow up in a meaningful manner.
Are they out there in the trenches? Your consultant should plan to be with your people and experience situations,
wherever possible, in whatever form that may take. Nothing beats credibility like someone willing to listen to the
concerns of others and serve at the front line.
Do they act as ambassador? True, long standing loyalty is a rare attribute in business today. An ambassador is loyal to
the organisation and the person engaging them. You want to know this person will uphold the highest standards of
diplomacy; be gracious and empathic and still deliver attractive as well as unattractive news.
Do they always tell it like it is? Even if it stings, if an expert consultant sees something, regardless of sensitivity, they
should call it to the appropriate stakeholder. Another person inside the organisation, on the payroll, may not. Why?
Because of politics. An expert consultant, with the right amount of experience, can reveal the necessary elements with
respect, dignity and integrity. They can often say what you may not want to.
Do they advise how to maximise your investment? An experienced consultant will be truthful in suggesting ways to
create extra value with various options. They will tell you where to save money and where to avoid cutting corners.
They are invested at a personal and professional level, deriving great satisfaction from the outcomes of a project,
beyond any fee.
Are they a student of life? Your consultant will be of greater value if they are interested in a range of endeavours and
engage in further education. You will want someone well versed at sitting in the learning seat, as well as being a
talented educator themselves. Someone learning constantly, picking up on other perspectives, handling greater
complexity and delivering solutions in more refined ways, will be one of your greatest assets.
Jill Sweatman is a corporate culture speaker and education specialist trained
at Disney University in Florida and McDonald's Hamburger University in Chicago.
She has spoken in thirteen countries, is a National Board Member of the
Customer Service Institute of Australia and principal evaluator of the Australian
Customer Service Association Awards. Based in Sydney, Australia contact Jill at
+61 411 115 599 or [email protected] or
http://www.corporatechange.com.au