Management & Consulting

See what are the main characteristics and functions of a consultant

Find out now how a consultant's work works and what its main characteristics and functions are during a consultancy

Thiago Coutinho
Published on Dec 7, 2017  ·  Updated on Mar 29, 2021
The main characteristics of a consultant

The career of a consultant is very well seen due to "n" reasons, such as independence, greater flexibility, financial gain, among others. Many people are leaving their jobs and investing in this area, seeing as an "easier" way to make money. But not quite!

With many professionals entering the market, the competition is getting bigger and you have to create tricks and develop some characteristics to stand out in this market and get over the others.

In this article, I'll introduce you to 9 key features of a successful consultant so you can be noticed in this vast market. Prepared? So let's go!


1. SYSTEMS VISION


The first thing you have to do in a consulting project is to understand the project as a whole. This is having systemic vision! It is extremely important to understand how the parties relate to and see where there can be improvements.

When it comes to improvements, changes, you have to be very careful, because these changes have some consequences and if they are not done in the best way, it can ruin your whole planning.


2. ARTICLE WISELY


This second characteristic is knowing how to articulate in an intelligent way with clients and employees, in order to gain confidence and collaboration in the project. But what does it take to perform well?

You need to have great communication, you have to know how to win the team and that is a great challenge. To do this, you have to create ways to generate empathy, to put yourself in the other's shoes, to create the right mood, and consequently to have your team do their job.


3. TRANSLATE THE RESPONSES


During the consulting process, you have to do interviews, understand the process, translate the responses of your clients, so that everything is done in the best way possible.

Communication is essential in this feature because only then you will be able to understand what the person wants. This way you can help her and propose ideas and solutions.


4. FOLLOW THE FLOW


During the consulting process, you will have several stones in the way, but it is important that you focus on your ultimate goal and never be discouraged by the barriers that appear.

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5. GUARANTEE SYNERGY


Have the commitment of all involved in the project, the team has to be together with you, after all: "unity is strength"!


6. GO TO GEMBA


"Go to Gemba" is a slogan inspired in the Toyota Production System. But what is Gemba? Basically, it is where the event takes place, in the case of a factory, the factory floor, where the productions take place. Then you can ask me, "What does this slogan have to do with a feature of a consultant?"

Answering this question is very simple, you have to go to gemba to closely check everything that is happening, and see the points of criticisms and difficulties.

The role of the consultant is not just to sit in the office, you have to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and see in "real life" what is happening.


7. ADAPT TIME


Be prepared for sudden changes in routine and schedules, enjoy the time. You will need to have the flexibility to adapt, after all, there may be compromises with customers or for the customer, so your schedule has to be very flexible.


8. DIVIDE THE CREDITS


Explaining this characteristic is very simple: just give the credits to the people that deserve.

In this way you will be able to be the great provocateur of the changes, in addition, it will stimulate your team and guarantee synergy. Sharing the glory with people, you only have to win more and more.


9. KNOW YOUR LIMITS


"Do not take a step higher than your leg."


This phrase sums up very well what this feature shows. It is important that you have the humility to recognize as far as you know how much you can help.

You have to know your limits very well, know exactly what you are good at and what is the main thing, do not be greedy! Never try to catch projects that you do not technically master, as this can go wrong.


"Every dream you leave behind is a piece of your future that ceases to exist."


I bet this phrase from Steve Jobs inspired you to keep dreaming and trying to improve, doesn't it? You may not have all these characteristics, but it will not be that which will limit you and disrupt your dream.

No one was born knowing everything, people develop over time, and getting better throughout their consulting career is no sin. Quite the contrary, it shows that you are concerned about achieving excellence.

These are just a few necessary features of a consultant. The consulting area is very broad and allows you to follow several different paths. It's up to you to identify the one that most fits your profile and follow the career paths that this career provides.

In this eBook you will see everything you need to know to enter the consulting market. You will learn:


• What is the role of a consultant;
• What areas of action;
• How to conduct a consulting project;
• How to price the service;
• What are the career challenges of a consultant.


Do not miss this opportunity and download this incredible material right now.

Consultant's guide from A to Z

Thiago Coutinho
Written by
Thiago has a degree in Production Engineering, a graduate course in statistics and a degree in administration from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Black Belt in Lean…

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