Put Me In, Coach: What Makes a Great Consultant

Put Me In, Coach: What Makes a Great Consultant

In my career in talent strategy, I have had the opportunity to hire a lot of consultants. Consulting requires a passion for solving business problems and an understanding of what it will take to make your client look like a hero. One thing I have found that sets great consultants apart is their attitude of "put me in, coach” (I love a good baseball analogy!). They're always eager to take on new challenges, learn from their experiences, and improve their performance.

So, what does it take to be a great consultant? In my experience, the following character traits have served as excellent predictors of hiring successful consultants:

1. Lifelong Learner: Successful consultants are curious! They are constantly seeking out new knowledge and skills. Whether it's attending conferences, taking training courses, or reading the latest research, great consultants are always looking for ways to improve their expertise.
2. Growth Mindset: A growth mindset is the belief that you can always improve and learn from your experiences. Great consultants embrace this mindset and approach every project as an opportunity to learn and grow. They're not afraid to take on new challenges or make mistakes because they know that's how they'll improve.
3. Good Communicator: As a consultant, you work with clients and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds and industries. It's important to be able to communicate your ideas and recommendations clearly and effectively. Great consultants are skilled communicators who can distill complex concepts into simple, actionable advice.
4. Flexible and Adaptable: Consulting projects can be unpredictable, with changing requirements and timelines. Great consultants are resilient. They are able to adapt to changing circumstances and remain flexible in their approach. They think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to unexpected problems.
5. Confidence: Confidence is an essential trait for consultants. It helps them build credibility, lead with authority, handle uncertainty, overcome resistance, and manage risk. The best consultants temper confidence with humility and a willingness to be open to client feedback.
6. Results-Oriented: At the end of the day, clients hire consultants to achieve results. To accomplish this, great consultants are willing to challenge conventional thinking and get to the root cause of issues. They are laser-focused on delivering results for their clients. They're able to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and deliver high-quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations.
7. The “It” Factor: This can be summed up as grit, fearlessness, determination, and above all, a positive attitude.

Being a great consultant requires a combination of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and a can-do attitude. By embracing the attitude of "put me in, coach," you show up as someone who is always ready to take on new challenges, learn from your experiences, and become a top-performing consultant. If you're ready to take your consulting career to the next level, let’s connect - I'm ready to help you succeed!