As organizations evolve and face challenges that come with growth and innovation, they usually find themselves at a crossroads about who they need on their team to help guide the company through the sometimes-murky waters of change.
In my experience, they usually end up with more questions than answers. How do they determine the scope of the role? Do they hire high-priced executives? Do they reorganize their current infrastructure and bring people up through the ranks? Or do they outsource the work on a shorter-term basis to a consultant?
There are several significant advantages to contracting out the work that goes along with navigating an organization through change.
Consultants hit the ground running Client: “Well, we think we’re going to just hire someone. It’s cheaper.”
Really? How much time do leaders spend on the recruitment process? How much time does a new hire need to ramp up and produce? And what if they’re not the right hire?
A consultant comes with the experience and skills needed to add value day one. No onboarding or ramping up needed.
Consultant as Trainer and Coach Client: “I need someone to come in and keep their head down and crank out the work.”
Really? If I’m working with staff and leaders, there will be so many situations for mini learning opportunities.
Experienced consultants easily take on the role of trainer and work with existing staff so they are better at their work than before we came. In addition, consultants are extremely focused; they don’t have competing priorities for their time. We don’t need to work on the budget, performance evaluations, etc.
Significant Value Client: “Yes, you are wonderful and I love your background. And oh, you paid for your MBA from UW Madison; that’s great.”
With a consultant, you’re not paying for time off, holidays, benefits, worker’s comp, unemployment, taxes and all the other expenses that come with permanent, full-time staff. All of these can add up to 40%+ on top of an employee’s salary.
Additionally, consultants are life-long learners and are constantly investing their own dollars in their development and addition of skills.
Lower Risk and Lower Liability Client: “I need someone for this project but I’m not sure what I would do with that person once the project is done.”
When you hire a consultant, they don’t add to your FTE count, thereby reducing your long term liability. They also are not on your worker’s compensation, unemployment, etc.
A consultant is a wonderful way to tackle a tough problem or project. What you will get is a trusted advisor. Someone dedicated to the outcome.
As a consultant, I can tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear. That will help you make better business decisions. Your employees? They may think the same thing but don’t want to risk their position or standing in the organization to have those uncomfortable conversations.
Have a project that has been lingering without being completed? Have a new or unique problem to solve? Let’s connect. I’d love to hear what challenges or opportunities for improvement are you facing.
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