Internal Consulting

Does your staff partner with its internal clients, or do members work as temps who just follow orders or as experts with a limited scope? If so, clients, usually line managers, may disown the problems, the solutions, or both, leaving the internal consultants solely responsible for the outcome.

The lack of shared ownership can lead to failed projects. To succeed, internal consultants must create an environment in which problems and solutions are shared jointly by managers and consultants. They must collaborate so that the consultants combine their insights and skills with the functional know-how of line managers to create a better solution.

Course Objectives

  • Understand and execute the five phases necessary for a successful engagement.

  • Analyze your personal consulting style and identify ways to capitalize on this style.

  • Negotiate with a client to develop a mutually beneficial contract.

  • Manage client confrontation and resistance.

  • Complete a personal Development Plan to move toward a more collaborative approach to consulting.

Length

Two Days

Target Audience

All professionals who work in an environment where they add value by making changes through influencing other individuals, groups, or organizations.

Class Size

14-16

Course Description

Internal consultants often try to work as advisors or collaborators with their clients, only to find themselves relegated to the role of a contractor or expert whose is advice is limited in scope. This workshop focuses on navigating through five phases of a consulting engagement and using the interpersonal skills that will make success possible.

Myers Briggs Type Indicator®

Participants complete a profile to help identify their own consulting styles and learn strategies for flexing to the needs of their internal clients. A special appendix lists consulting profiles of all 16 MBTI types,

Myers Briggs Type Indicator and MBTI are registered trademarks of Consulting Psychologists Press

Materials

In addition to a copy of the Flawless Consulting by Peter Block, each participant receives our own 100+-page workbook.

Prework

Prior to the workshop, participants will read Flawless Consulting by Peter Block, meet with their managers to discuss their roles as consultants, and complete the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® questionnaire.