I must be transparent here - I am a consultant who genuinely enjoys this work and intends to continue in this field so I might just be a little biased here! That said, there are many compelling reasons why engaging a consultant makes sense, IF it's done in the right circumstances and in the right way.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a consultant as:
“someone who advises people on a particular subject”
This definition highlights the crucial distinction between a genuine consultant and temporary staff - you're investing in specialist knowledge and expertise, not just filling a resource gap
This distinction really matters. Consultants naturally challenge existing approaches, drive innovation, and pursue improvement. For many of us, improving things is part of our DNA. This means we're prepared to address difficult issues and tackle challenging tasks that are essential for project success
However, this means we aren't suitable for every situation. We excel in time-bound initiatives where specific outcomes need to be achieved, after which our involvement naturally ends (although I do like to keep in touch and am always happy to answer any questions and queries you may have)
When should you engage a consultant?
1. You Need Specialist Knowledge
When your team lacks specific expertise that a project requires, but doesn't need to develop that capability permanently, a consultant can bridge this gap efficiently
2. For Flexibility
For one-time requirements where the cost and administrative burden of hiring permanent staff would be disproportionate or impractical e.g. a contract procurement that only happens once every few years
3. Risk Mitigation
Experienced consultants bring lessons learned from similar projects across multiple organisations, helping you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your own learning
4. To Bring Objectivity
External consultants operate outside your established practices and internal politics, enabling them to identify the right solutions based purely on merit
5. Value for Money
While consulting fees can appear substantial, they're typically more cost-effective than alternative approaches. In my experience, the value delivered consistently exceeds the investment by a factor of 10 or more - often significantly more.
Engaging a consultant can deliver excellent results and value. Key is ensuring you have a solid business case for the engagement and selecting the right consultant for your specific needs