Jaron CollisCore ConceptConsultancy involves giving advice to change or improve a situation, where the consultant has no control over the implementation. A consultant is not a surrogate line manager.Agent of ChangeSkillsProcessAgent of ChangeChange can be effected by presenting a new solution, or the transfer of new knowledge to enable the client to solve the problem.RolesSkillsThree kinds: Technical skills (your expertise), Interpersonal skills (ability to team-work) and Consulting skills (ability to methodically analyse, evaluate and present a solution)GoalsProcessConsulting can be considered as a methodical 5 stage processContractingDiscoveryFeedbackImplementationTerminationContractingFirst meeting, explore problem and client's expectations. Result: terms of reference for the assignment.DiscoveryConsultant investigates the problem to gain understanding, which is shared with the client. Involves an ongoing dialogue with client and their experts.FeedbackThe data collected and analysis is reported to the client, reduced to a manageable number of issues. Planning begins now, setting the ultimate goals for the project and intermediate action points.ImplementationPlans from previous step are enacted, typically by client's organisation. Consultant aids the implementors in a design or advisory capacity. TerminationEvaluation of implementation, decisions taken on whether the project is extended, recycled or terminated.RolesSchein identifies three ways in which consultants workExpert Pair of HandsCollaboratorExpert Manager elects to play inactive role, reviewing the solution at the end of the process. Responsibility for solving the problem delegated to consultant who makes decisions, gathers data and assumes technical control. Pair of HandsManager takes active role, making decisions, gathering data and retaining technical control. Manager evaluates solution from close-up. Consultant responds to requests, applying their expertise to the problem.CollaboratorManager and consultant work interdependently, bilateral decision making, control. Goal is to solve the problem and leave the manager with the knowledge to solve it next time. GoalsTo ensure buy-in, so advice is used To produce actionable recommendations To utilise position as a trusted third party To address the underlying issues so client can solve them next timefalseconsultancy12002-08-02T15:35:34.089+01:002002-08-27T00:12:34.810+01:00