The Threat of a consultant
Consulting Threat - is it or not?
Sorry that I have not written in a while, been a bit busy - and I know how you guys all look forward to my next posting.
Let's get to it - you are a manager, and your boss says "let's get another set of eyes on this, let's bring in a consultant, okay?", and what happens? Your heart skips a beat, your mind starts running with the thoughts of "am I not good enough?", or "oh man, they're going to replace me!".
Well, if you have been following my exploits over the years, you know me - don't fear the unknown, there is nothing that you can do about it. If your boss wants to replace you and doesn't have the guts to tell you and this is how he (or she) is going to do it, then, so be it. Move on.
But, most likely, your boss (as I have done many times and currently get hired to do) just wants to get another set of "eyes" on the project or product or presentation or brand or brochure or website or whatever. Come on - be realistic, how many times have you looked at something that someone else did and you said "I would have done it this way" or "why put the logo there, no one notices it?".
A consultant does (or should) do the same thing. Having a fresh set of eyes on anything could bring an epiphany or a breakthrough, or, in my case when I consult, a complete rethinking on what is trying to be accomplished (again, if you know me, I make people look at the whole picture).
Welcome the consultant with open arms (not a cold shoulder).
Give them everything they can use/have that will let them understand what you are trying to do.
Allow them to give all the feedback they want - don't limit them (no matter what, they are getting paid, so, get your moneys worth).
And lastly, make them your friend (if they are good, lol).
Don't fear a consultant, they aren't a threat unless you a) make them a threat or b) aren't good at your job.
