What Managers Expect From Consultants
Nonetheless, many organizations prefer hiring consultants who have proven accomplishments and hands-on experience. Managers often feel more comfortable working with these consultants to initiate changes in the organization. When choosing a consultant, keep in mind the following questions:
- Is the consultant able to do the assigned work?
- Can the consultant gel with the people he or she will work with?
- Will the staff and management respond to the consultant's proposed solutions?
- Will the management be able to gain anything worthy from the consultant?
Consultants will have wide exposure to their areas of expertise, as well as experience in understanding managements' own ideas regarding particular problems. However, many managers often feel that consultants play only limited roles, especially in times of crucial transitions. Therefore, it's often a good idea to hire interim managers who know that their time and roles in organizations are limited to bringing about the expected change.
The Role of Interim Managers
Many professionals now specialize as interim managers. Unlike people who are in-between jobs or have only brief exposures to management roles, interim managers are experienced in and committed to their jobs. They usually have a considerable amount of experience in industries similar to the ones they will work in. Unlike consultants who work in an advisory role and attempt to bring about change, interim managers usually prefer to work as line managers at middle and senior levels where they can closely interact with directors and boards.
Because of their interim capacities, interim managers can be quickly assigned roles in organizations. And because of their skills and experience, organizations can expect them to produce immediately. Interim managers can provide a variety of benefits:
- Quick and effective transitions, especially if a key member has just left the organization.
- Assistance with quick and effective implementation of important projects.
- Training of new personnel.
- Standardization of an organization's procedures.
