I was recently on a phone call with a leader who was seeking our consulting services, and at the end of our call, he asked me, “Are there any other questions I should be asking?” As vital as seeking outside help for your organization is, the process can be daunting if you don’t know where to start or how to interview potential consultants and coaches. My response to this leader was that he had asked all the right questions about 1) what services we offer, 2) our personalized methodology, and 3) the financial cost. And here are nine more things to look for when searching for the best consultant or coach to serve your organization.
Ethical Practices
You should expect nothing less than integrity from anyone who serves as a professional consultant or coach. This includes the consultant knowing who the client is, avoiding relational triangulation, and preventing conflicts of interest.
Practical Guidance
The word “consulting” can sometimes trigger a cynical response due to some consultants who charge a lot and deliver minimal tangible results. Consultants worth their fees deliver more than just facilitation and “talk” – they deliver measurable results.
Qualified Advisers
There is no shortage of consultants and coaches, and there is no safeguard as to their qualifications. However, effective consulting requires more than desire. It necessitates proven leadership experience, professional training, and extraordinary fit with you and your organization.
Healthy Process
Consultants are only as good as their philosophy. Some consultants approach the client as a “patient,” diagnosing what is wrong and prescribing “the one right solution.” While in certain circumstances this may have a place, a consultant should ensure effective processes, trusted advice, and leadership accountability.
Relational Partnership
Our experience has shown the greatest fruit has grown out of a long-term relationship with our clients. This can only happen when a consultant invests significant time with a focused number of clients rather than spend a brief time with a larger number of clients.
Self-Determination
The consulting process can be challenging and imperfect, sometimes resulting in uncomfortable feelings and difficult decisions. Clients should be free to modify or terminate the consulting process at any time rather than feel locked into a long-term agreement.
Systems Orientation
The “problem” is seldom the problem. Organizations are like the human body; they are complex systems requiring proper assessment if health is to be advanced or restored. Enabling your organization to move forward with effectiveness begins with accurate diagnostics as to how it is actually functioning.
Team Approach
Consulting at its best is a team effort. Before hiring a consultant, check to see the breadth of their team and the depth of their skills and expertise. A team approach will provide you with greater confidence that you have an army behind you rather than just one soldier.
Satisfaction
The ultimate outcome of consulting should be positive change. Be sure to check references (not just one or two) and look for a proven track record of reliable and effective service. Ideally, it is great to know someone personally who has utilized their services with great satisfaction.
Contact us to speak with one of our consultants to learn how our team can best meet your organization’s needs.
Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.
