View All Tips

This month's Tips is the final segment of a three-part series on working with consultants. It describes the attributes of the best consultants—and is useful for both consultants and hiring managers.

The Best Consultants

So what does it take to achieve success as a consultant, beyond the obvious qualifications of the right expertise and experience for the particular job? The following is a checklist of the qualities to look for (or emulate!):

No Surprises— the best consultants ensure that their clients know what to expect. If a deadline is slipping, they let those concerned know as soon as they know, and provide a revised estimate. If problems are impacting the project, they bring them up and assist in resolving them.

Flexibility— it's a pleasure to work with consultants who can adapt to a changing environment. In the world of technology, changing deliverables, shifting internal politics/dynamics, and changing due dates are the norm, so being willing to go with the flow is a real plus.

Team Player— even though consultants work on a project basis, the best consultants understand they are one member of a partnership working for project success. They keep other team members needs in mind, and pitch in to help as appropriate.

Good Ongoing Communication— regular status to keep the team informed of progress, achievements, questions, distinguishes the consultants clients hire again and again. It's not enough to do a good job; you also need to let the team know what you're doing. A client should never have to ask: How are things going? They should know.

Upbeat Attitude— no one wants to work with a whiner. We have to put up with that from colleagues, but not from consultants.

Check Your Work— those little typos or careless errors detract from the overall perception of quality. It's always a good idea to find a second pair of eyes to review reports or critical communications if you can.

Under Promise, Over Deliver— always be conservative in your estimates, so that you can come in on time, in budget (or even under budget!) even when the inevitable delays occur. You want to get the reputation of someone who always delivers as promised. To do that, you need to allow for the unforeseen when you make your initial commitments.

These qualities together make up that indefinable "something" that keeps the best consultants employed, even in the worst of times.