A Consultant? Some Last Thoughts...
•1. Prepare
a statement outlining the nature, scope and objectives of the assignment.
•2. Circulate
this written statement to the key people in your organization inviting them to comment by a specific date in terms of whether it defines
the need accurately and whether the
assignment should be tackled internally or external help sought.
•3. Define
the expertise you will need.
•4. Invite
the consultant for an interview.
•5. Brief
the staff who will be involved in the selection process.
•6. Avoid
organization jargon.
•7. Ask
the consultant to describe how the assignment will be approached.
•8. Request
references, in confidence, to provide real examples of previous assignments carried out and check with the referees how successfully
the assignment was carried out. Do not buy
on price alone.
•9. Express
the assignment you wish carried out in terms of the end results, i.e. outputs, that you want to achieve.
•10. IF YOU PROCEED… Provide resources and executive commitment. There is no point in seeking consultancy help unless you have
the will, the resources and the organization resolve to follow the advice you get.