Part 3 of 13 of my series on the profession of management consulting

Plan. Plan. Plan.

If I’ve learned anything from my years of working and MBA and project management studies, it’s to plan. The time you put into planning pays off in time, money, and stress saved later on. The best laid schemes of mice and men sort of thing. Read more…

Management Consulting 3 of 13, Mana 695E

Part 2 of 13 of my series on the profession of management consulting

First impressions and building trust

When meeting a client for the first time, just like in dating, first impressions count. But making a good impression is more than about relying on how exactly to shake hands or how to wear a tie (and no, bringing flowers won’t help). Despite what consulting gurus say, there is no textbook approach to this. There are no set plans of action, nor a perfect recipe for success. Like snowflakes, no two clients are the same, so keep your antennae up and radars on at all times. Read more…

Management Consulting 2 of 13, Mana 695E

Part 1 of 13 of my series on the profession of management consulting

What is management consulting?

Management consulting is one of those professions with a bit of a stigma around it. Some people think that management consultants are snake-oil pushers, while others think it is what people who can’t perform in the industry do.  I guess some of these views are justified. As there are many consultants in the field who do their jobs very well, there are those who are unethical. I see this as a profession akin to those in law – a few bad apples spoil the broth – or something like that. Read more…

Management Consulting 1 of 13, Mana 695E