Choosing a Consultant

What is a consultant? A consultant is an individual (or, sometimes, a group or organization) that brings experience and expertise about an issue or process to an initiative, organization, group, government entity, or community. A consultant may provide: Knowledge of an issue. Knowledge of a process. Specific skills. Objectivity.

Why might you seek a consultant? To solve a problem you can’t solve on your own. To facilitate a process. To bring specific knowledge or theory to your work. To borrow skills your organization doesn’t have. To carry out a specific, often time-limited task. To mediate a dispute or a difficult situation. To bring a fresh, unbiased perspective to the organization.

When might you seek a consultant? When you’re about to start something new. When you’re in a transition period. When there’s a serious problem. When there’s a need for more organizational structure, but you don’t know how to go about planning for or implementing it. When you don’t have the in-house capacity to perform a necessary task or process. When you need an outside evaluator.

Whom might you ask to be a consultant? Professional consultants Academics and researchers Former public officials Current or former staff or directors of organizations that deal with your issue People with specific professional skills People affected by the issue you’re working with People with specific cultural expertise

How do you choose a consultant? Define clearly what you want done. Determine the skills and knowledge the consultant will need to do the job. Determine the personal characteristics the consultant will need to work well with your organization. Determine what you can afford. Recruit candidates. Screen, interview, and choose among applicants. Evaluate the consultant’s work and its results.