The Basic principles of effective consulting

Consultants are called upon more and more to help implement needed organizational changes, fill gaps in workforce capabilities, and solve significant business problems. As the demand for consultants increases, it is critical that practitioners differentiate themselves and understand how they can be most successful, for themselves and their clients. The Basic Principles of Effective Consulting details what effective consultants do and provides a step by step process of just how they do it. The Second Edition of The Basic Principles of Effective Consulting is fully updated with real-life cases. End-of-chapter summaries foster both mastery and engagement, as well as providing a quick reference throughout a consultant's career. In addition, each chapter includes a section "From the experts" written by successful consultants and users of consultants' services. These experts share ideas and tips about their own consulting experiences that relate to chapter material. The book is written for entry level and seasoned consultants, project managers, staff advisors, and anyone who wants to learn (or be reminded of) the basic principles of effective consulting. The book is well suited as an excellent textbook for college courses on consulting, organizational training, and a lifetime go-to consultant's resource.

Cover; Half Title; Title Page; Copyright Page; Dedication; Table of Contents; Foreword; Preface; About the author; Acknowledgments; 1. Consultants and consulting; From the experts ... Hiring consultants in a union and ruralenvironment by Betty Hussey, Manager of HR Services, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, St. Marys, Ohio; 2. Managing expectations and goals; From the experts ... The consultant-client relationship by CedricCoco, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Brookdale Senior Living Solutions; 3. Formalizing the agreement: Contracts and proposals.

From the experts ... The importance of written contracts by KerryWeinger and Peter George, Partners, Baker McKenzie LLP4. Developing a project plan; From the experts ... Doesn't matter if you're big or small, youneed a well-thought-out project plan by Arthur Gilman, formerSenior VP and Regional Sales Manager, Dean Witter FinancialServices, and current Consultant/Specialist, Fly-in Fishing; 5. Data collection.

From the experts ... Data collection begins at the beginning byDr. Linda K. Stroh, Faculty Scholar and Emeritus Professor, Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago, and Professor/Instructor, Univers…