The Consultant Dilemma: A Personal Insight
In 2016, while working at NBN(Click Here), I found myself in the midst of a bustling corporate atmosphere, where voices and ideas swirled like a vibrant storm. It was here that I encountered a challenge faced by many large organizations: the daunting reliance on consultants.
Engagement with Accenture
- We partnered with Accenture(Click Here)—whose toolbox sparkled with promise—but their solutions felt as shallow as a kiddie pool.
- Despite their polished presentations, I wondered: were they designed to impress or genuinely solve our problems?
Fast forward to 2022 at Stockland(Click Here), where the ambiance was different, yet the challenge eerily similar. I faced EY(Click here) , another glittery toolbox:
- Their “one-size-fits-all” solutions missed the mark like a dart thrown blindfolded.
- It became clear that their offerings were not tailored to our unique organizational needs.
With over 18 years of experience leading business transformations, I understand the weight of actionable insights and data-driven solutions. However, I also recognize that a toolbox—no matter how shiny—often lacks the rich understanding that comes from the diverse perspectives within the organization.
Why relying on consultants costs more than just money
Consultants often provide surface-level fixes. However, the true cost is the missed opportunity to tap into the diverse talent within your organization.
The true cost of consultant reliance
- Ignoring internal talent: Leaning too heavily on external voices means missing out on the brilliant artists within your midst.
- Cultural disconnection: You miss the laughter and collaborative energy that fosters innovation.
A better alternative
Imagine empowering your team to tackle challenges head-on:
- This approach cultivates an inclusive environment.
- Employees become deeply invested in the company’s success and equipped with the tools to drive real change.
Your people aren’t just cogs in the machine; they are the future problem solvers capable of creating significant, community-focused solutions.
Empowering your team: The path to sustainable solutions
A diverse workforce isn’t merely a checkbox on a corporate agenda—it’s the lifeblood of innovation and success.
Benefits of empowering your internal teams
- Ownership: Enabling your internal teams to take charge of problem-solving fosters a culture of curiosity and creativity.
- Data-Driven Decisions: The answers often lie within your team’s treasure chest of analytical decision-making.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of inclusive teams. By assembling diverse groups, I’ve led initiatives that:
- Go beyond quick fixes.
- Craft lasting solutions.
The value of diversity fosters new ways of thinking that external toolboxes can never fully grasp. It’s about empowering employees with the wisdom that they are crucial to the company’s success.
Conclusion: Your team is the solution
The choice is crystal clear:
- Will you continue spending on consultants that offer flashy presentations devoid of actionable depth?
- Or will you invest in your team to become the drivers of authentic, lasting transformation?
I am guessing you haven’t gotten around to making that decision yet. It’s easy to postpone. However, let’s be honest—are you truly ready to miss out on unlocking this potential?
Take action today
How open-minded are you to empowering your workforce? When you empower your workforce, you create a more inclusive culture where people feel connected to the mission. This is where innovation flourishes and where your organization will thrive.
I bet you are a bit like me, eager to see your team shine and take ownership of their potential. I delve deeper into this in our training course about AI-Driven Six Sigma Black Belt(Click Here). There’s simply no way to teach all of this in a blog post, which is why I’m offering one-on-one consultancy.
Don’t let your organization miss this opportunity to thrive. Connect with us today(Click Here) to explore how we can unlock your team’s true potential together!
Further links:
Harvard Business Review : Consulting is more than giving advice
Further reads :
https://www.amazon.com.au/Skin-Game-Hidden-Asymmetries-Daily/dp/042528462X
