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Characteristics Of Consulting
Even the American Heritage Dictionary defines “headhunting” simply as “The business of recruiting personnel, especially executive personnel, as for a corporation.” If you think of executive recruiting in this narrow concept, I hope you will consider the extensive extra value I believe a retained professional executive consultant brings to the table. Having made the transition from an operations consulting Partner in a Big Eight professional services firm to an executive search consultant with CES Partners, I believe the skills and talents required in both roles are very similar and go far beyond the limited notion of being a networker. There are at least five key characteristics/skills that are vital in both executive search engagements and general consulting projects to consistently meet and exceed client expectations. Problem Solver. Perhaps the most critical skill required of a consultant is to be an outstanding problem solver. This suggests the ability to analyze the key requirements and create innovative strategies that will produce the desired outcomes. The art of problem solving includes managing the human elements to assure acceptance and compliance during implementation. Change Manager. Whether conducting a search for new leadership or analyzing the financial viability of a new service, the consultant needs to be skilled in change management. Each major decision will impact the organization in multiple ways, often causing increased anxiety and resistance to change. The consultant designs a process to expose potential concerns and address them accordingly. Maintains Objectivity. You should expect your consultant to have the experience and confidence in his/her convictions to maintain objectivity in the face of the internal biases and politics that inevitably occur in making a major decision. Objectivity is essential to help focus key stakeholders on the critical factors driving the decision making process. Project Manager. All projects require management of the process to insure that the desired results are produced in a timely fashion. Your consultant needs to be flexible to allow for the unexpected that inevitably occurs in most projects, but disciplined enough to keep the overall project on track. Client Advocate. Your consultant is an extension of your own team, and thus should exhibit the enthusiasm, energy, and positive outlook that you expect of all staff. He/She should leave a positive impression of your organization with all of those he/she meets. Your consultant should also be another set of eyes and ears to the outside world and present opportunities that might be discovered in the execution of his/her responsibilities. The bottom line is that you will maximize the value received by using an experienced executive search consultant whom you consider to be a trusted partner and team mate in addressing your organizational human resource needs. The focus will go far beyond just filling specific positions to include addressing the longer-term needs of the organization. You should expect your consultant to be another connection with the marketplace, providing valuable information and strategic thinking to assist your organization to achieve its goals and mission. Creating an ongoing working relationship with an experienced professional whom you trust is the key to consistently producing the kind of results that will meet and exceed all of the needs of the stakeholders in the organization. CES Partners takes pride in its efforts to immerse itself into your organization, completely understanding your requirements and bringing to you the best and most appropriate candidates for your needs. We are the professional search firm with the personal touch. Tom Burke is an integral part of the CES Partners team. Thomas Burke
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