Making The Right Match: Finding The Consulting Style That Fits Your Firm

Abstract

Consulting plays a valuable role in business worldwide. Yet there is an on-going tension between managers and consultants that is vigorously document by critics. This tension has various causes not the least of which is that particular consultants are not appropriate for particular situations. We offer a simple assessment tool to assist managers in finding the right match between their business needs and the services offered by consultants. We suggest that clients determine the desired relationship between the consultant offerings and their specificity to the client’s strategic mission. We present a taxonomy of consultancy offerings and recommended how they may fit with the strategic mission of a client firm. We also warn clients to be aware of certain consultant behaviors that may inhibit client learning and increase the tension between the client and the consultant.