Consultants are an invaluable asset to any company or organization. They provide valuable insights and ideas that help businesses reach their objectives. Despite the fact that the work of consultants is often misunderstood, their contribution to the company cannot be denied. In most cases, consultants are hired to help companies address specific challenges or problems, such as weak sales, low morale, or poor customer satisfaction.
When working with a consulting firm, it's important to understand what capabilities they will use for the project. For example, generalist strategy firms (McKinsey, Bain and BCG) can be hired for a sensitive project in Asia, as they are familiar with the local culture and language. We all know what “value” means, but when it comes to consulting services, it's not always easy to identify the best suppliers. Clients work with consultants and seek help to design and implement a new organization, or to motivate and inspire their talents.
However, only half of the 92% who indicated that their consulting projects had been successful rehired the same consultants for a new project. Consulting firms are exceptionally ruthless when it comes to having the right people working on the right things. By working with a consultant, clients can gain an objective perspective on their situation and receive expert advice on how to improve their business. It provides a respite for the management team and is reminiscent of the plot of a popular crime thriller, in which the consultant assumes the role of “bad cop” to carry out difficult trials.
The consultant can also provide the client with concrete tools and resources that will help them achieve their objectives. This is a real value that has an impact on the final results, regardless of how you measure it. Without solid leadership or an important and risky cultural change, it could not have been achieved without the consultant. Many procurement executives spend a lot of time and effort negotiating prices and daily rates for consulting services. However, it is important to remember that these services provide immense value to companies in terms of helping them reach their goals.
