Monday 30 April 2012

Prashant Agarwal_Consulting_Oct'11


Consulting can simply be described as, ‘Responsibility without Authority.’

Consulting is not merely for business professionals. Every single time in our daily lives when we either give or take advice we are practicing it.

One of the most important steps in getting a Consulting assignment is Contract Meeting.  A contract meeting is all about understanding the problem in and out by asking deeper questions.

5 favorite questions for a consultant:
  • What are we trying to do?
  • How will we know that we are successful?
  • What could go wrong?
  • What countermeasures do we take responsibility for with respect to 3 questions?
  • Who, how often, when and where is the review process?
Building a good rapport with the client is equally important. Competencies like good analytical skills and being a good problem solver are of no use if his client does not trust the consultant and is not able to open with his problem. Some do’s that can help a Consultant are:
  • Enjoying people
  • Being curious
  • Listening with attention
  • Asking open ended questions
A good consultant must have the courage to say “No” to the client and also should learn how to say “no” in a right way without offending the client.

Also a consultant must be upfront in stating the areas for which client holds the accountability because a consultant only proposes solutions/suggestions. But implementation is client’s responsibility.

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