Three Key Skills of a Good Consultant
You need to have a variety of skills to be a successful consultant. These three qualities are: Curiosity and Resourcefulness, as well as Organization. All of these skills are important for consultants. However, you should be focusing on one of these three qualities most. A consultant should be a team player and always consider the client’s interests. Keep in mind that client needs can change over time and that the right decision may not be in the client’s best interests.
Curiosity
Being curious is a key skill in business. As a consultant you will be dealing with many clients. Each client may have different needs. Curiosity is the ability ask thoughtful questions and listen attentively to answers. Because it helps you understand different business models and their operations, curiosity is an essential skill for consultants. You can also learn more about your clients and their industry by being curious.
A curious person will often end up becoming a star at their job because they are a more effective communicator. They are more likely to develop stronger relationships at work, which is crucial for their career advancement. People who are curious can also make great connections with experts in their fields. Bob Langer, MIT professor introduces his students to experts in the field. Curiosity is vital because it can help consultants build a network of contacts who can solve problems in their field.
Resourcefulness
Resourceful people are always ready to ask the right questions, draw the right picture, and say the right words to effect the desired change. It is a good habit to ask questions and be more aware of what is happening. Being resourceful is more than creating something new. It also involves being creative. Resourcefulness is the ability to reuse an item or make it work better. Although creative ideas can come and go quickly, if you focus your attention they may lead to a solution.
Using your creative and resourceful skills can be very helpful in times of crisis. Resourcefulness helps a person overcome challenges that may seem impossible. Resourcefulness combines good judgment and ingenuity to find effective solutions. A resourceful person has the ability to connect with people and establish strong networks. This skill is particularly useful in business or consulting roles, where a resourceful individual can be invaluable to a business.
Organization
A key skill to be a successful consultant is organization. A consultant must be able to identify the needs of clients, combine information and follow-up on any issues. It is not appreciated if a consultant does not follow through on projects, so he or she should be readily available to his or her client through multiple communication channels. A good consultant should have the ability to understand different cultures and be sensitive to the needs.
An effective consultant should be able to establish rapport with the staff. This is a key factor in gaining valuable information about the project. They should also be warmly and friendly to make staff feel welcome and comfortable. Management and staff must be open to the consultant’s presence, and be able and willing to work together. The best consultants don’t talk down to people and keep their cool as they work to gather information.