Organic Consulting - A Way to Give Your Clients Maximum Value

Organic Consulting - A Way to Give Your Clients Maximum Value
Too often, consultants fail to give their clients maximum
value. They bring pre-packaged knowledge and approaches to
unique situations. Many consultants believe their value
lies in what they already know and being "expert." Organic
Consulting is a consulting methodology that lets the work
grow from what is. In Organic Consulting, the consultant
becomes part of a bigger whole. As a result, both client
and consultant are changed. Through this change, desired
results are achieved.

What are the elements of Organic Consulting?

Becoming Part of the Whole

As you, the consultant, are hired by an organization, you
become part of it. You are no longer independent of each
other and have both changed. In some ways, you have created
a new ecosystem. To prepare for your work, thoroughly
understand the organization you are working for - its
values, mission, people, strengths and weaknesses.
Ascertain what their goals and expectations are in hiring
you. Make sure they get to know you - what perspective you
bring to the table, how you work and what you can give
them. Outline what it is you can do for the organization
and how you will do it. Build into your outline periodic
points where you will evaluate the changes that are taking
place, whether you are adding value and if you are on track.

Giving Up The "One Size Fits All" Approach

ou cannot standardize Organic Consulting. Think about it,
have you ever consulted for a client that is exactly like
one you have worked for before? Replace "one size fits all"
with "one size fits only you". Tailor your approach for
each client. Many consulting firms use the "one size fits
all" approach to streamline their activities, use less
experienced people or to maximize profit by using the same
approach over and over again. It doesn't work and clients
know it. In Organic Consulting, streamlining takes a
different tack. You bring your knowledge, experiences and
tools to each situation and let the alchemy take place. It
can be as effortless and will provide a better result.

Working With What Is

Do not try to change your client at the outset. Begin with
what is. It is the only place to start. Otherwise, you are
on a false foundation. By analyzing what is you can build,
correct and supplement where it is needed. You can identify
the changes needed and work with your client to implement
them. By doing this you may find solutions you have not
thought of yet. Let the organization's current reality
inform your work and where you go. Your aspirations and the
value you will add are not limited by what is; they are
informed by it. The challenge lies in the reshaping.

Keeping Fluidity

Do not come to your work with rigidity or preconceptions.
Organic Consulting unfolds. As your consulting progresses,
new information may surface, the alchemy that was created
may stir things up or the organization may respond in
unexpected ways. That is all okay. Take what happens and
let it inform you. This is how real change occurs and high
value is given. You cannot control the process of Organic
Consulting. As changes occur, notice them and fold them
into your work. The end result is a changed organization -
changed by the introduction of you and the resulting
evolution.

Accepting The Results

Many consultants derive comfort by "knowing" the outcome
they will achieve before they begin. Organic Consulting
precludes this. It is the introduction of you into the
existing system that begins the process and it is not
predictable. Your results may seem imperfect, but they are
real. In that sense, they are perfect. Your work may
uncover flaws that were previously hidden, new information
as yet unknown or new pathways leading to greater success.
That is the goal of Organic Consulting - change that works,
adds value and creates.

My work as a management consultant has informed my
approach. Organic Consulting works for me and delivers
maximum value to my clients by addressing their reality,
bringing my skills and perceptions to the table and
creating positive change together.

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Ann Vanino is a career coach and business consultant and
owner of Moving Forward Coaching & Consulting. You can
learn more about Ann on her web site
http://www.MovingForward.net . She writes The Leadership
Blog at http://www.movingforward.net/wp . You can reach Ann
by e mail at Ann@MovingForward.net and by phone at
661-944-6329 (US).