Why Do I Need Help From a Consultant?

Retaining a consultant is becoming a more popular and practical choice for organizations wanting to remain competitive, innovative, and efficient in the midst of today’s always VUCA-ing world. At the same time, consultants are also being asked to bring more than just bring their expertise to the table when helping organizations achieve their goals and navigate their circumstances.

One thing we at RiverWalk talk about with clients is what they can expect when partnering with us. So outlined below are five of the additional spoken (and unspoken) benefits that our clients have thanked us for while partnering with them and their organizations.

1. Objectivity and Fresh Perspectives

Internal teams often get deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of their organization, making it difficult to view challenges and opportunities objectively. Consultants can and should bring a fresh perspective to the table, helping to identify areas that may be overlooked or neglected. It is also beneficial when a consultant can pinpoint inefficiencies, gaps in strategy, or new opportunities that an internal team might miss simply due to their immersion in the organization. This objectivity can be especially beneficial when an organization is going through transformation or dealing with challenges that need clear and neutral assessments of the situation.

2. Cost-Effective Problem-Solving

While consultants are typically first tasked with specific issues that require quick, targeted interventions to provide short-term relief, we have been told that it is really beneficial when consultants also help streamline current operations and ensure resources are allocated in a way that can result in long-term financial benefits (especially when they outweigh the investment of consulting services).

3. Accelerating Innovation

Whether it is adopting new tech, organizational restructuring or succession, or shifting to a new vision or business model, our clients find it beneficial when consultants are able to bring innovative ideas and recommend a variety of approaches given their exposure to best practices from other industries vs. just offering their one universal, tried and true approach or recommendation. 

4. Risk Management and Mitigation

One thing our clients have thanked us for is helping them with assessing risks and identifying potential issues before they arise. In industries like finance, healthcare or cybersecurity, where risks are high and regulatory compliance is vital, consultants are seen as a proactive way to safeguard against an organization’s financial, operational, legal or reputational risks.

5. Focus on Core Business

For better or worse, consultants are stereotypically seen as people who are there to cut jobs and/or create more work for others. So it can be an enormous benefit when consultants can work in such a way that frees people to focus on their primary work and/or get involved with change and crisis leadership by using their strengths.