Achieving success in consulting can be extremely rewarding and can foster a diverse skill set. However, it can be challenging, demanding hard work and dedication to thrive in this profession. With so many different skill sets and traits that are necessary for success in this industry, we asked within our Consensus Solutions team to gather insights and expertise that contributed to their success in this profession.
Five Tips from the Pros
Clear Communication: Communication seems straightforward, but it is not always so simple. Clear communication in the government sector promotes higher stakeholder engagement, enhances client relationships, supports negotiation and persuasion efforts, reduces the chance of misinterpreting complex processes and policies, and contributes to compelling presentations and public speaking engagements. Establishing clear communication channels with clients and project teams is crucial for success in government consulting. Additionally, responding to clients’ communications promptly showcases responsiveness to their needs.
Intellectual Curiosity: As a consultant, change is constant with various tasks and projects shifting in priority. A diverse skill set is essential for consultants, continuously evolving as they work on multiple tasks and projects, especially ones outside of their experience or knowledge. This is when intellectual curiosity is crucial for success, ones that are hungry for knowledge and want to learn are typically the ideal consultants.
Flexibility: Oftentimes, consultants are asked to navigate through ambiguous and uncertain environments. A successful consultant should be able to change or adapt their strategies as project needs change to best serve their clients. Schedules, budgets, deliverables, resources, etc. are constantly changing in government consulting due to internal and external factors, and a good consultant needs to be able to adapt to change quickly and make the best out of what can sometimes be a tough situation. Sometimes these changes are unexpected and can cause stakeholders and/or clients to panic, so it is our duty as consultants to understand the need and help them navigate the change as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Analysis and Research: Government consultants play a crucial role in policy development and evaluation processes, relying on analysis and research to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and identifying areas for improvement. By finding emerging trends and best practices, consultants can provide valuable insights to their clients, helping them stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic policy landscape. Ultimately, strong analysis and research skills contribute to the credibility of government consultants and their ability to mitigate risks and drive positive change within government organizations.
Political Awareness: Similar to other professions, understanding organizational dynamics is essential. For government consultants, this skill is particularly crucial as it allows them to navigate intricate political landscapes, cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, anticipate and address resistance to change, and shape decision-making processes while ensuring compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements within government organizations.
