Questions to ask when engaging consultants focusing on your people
The many Business Owners and Senior Managers that we work with and discuss people issues with obviously have a very good understanding of their business, the impact of an issue on their business and even ideas to rectify an issue. However, it’s not always what they think.
I recently experienced a situation where a Business Owner and I had been in conversation over something he wanted to implement in his business as a result of a particular issue he had. When I questioned him as to why he wanted to take this course of action, exactly what the problem was as he saw it and what outcome he wanted. It became evident to me that his idea of what he needed was going to bring his desired outcome, however, I was happy to discuss this in more detail with him and thrash it out to determine the best solution for him and his business – after all, every organisation and its people are different.
But, it didn’t stop there! This Business Owner and I never discussed this issue despite several attempts by me over a period of time. So in order to get what he wanted, he went to a competitor to develop what he wanted. But…… he came back! Possibly, prior to implementing he had second thoughts and got in contact with me again and we discussed how we could determine the best course of action for him to get what he wanted and again asked the right questions. We are continuing through the process so don’t have the end result for you yet (that’s another blog!) however, guess what!? The solution wasn’t what he thought!
I was particularly proud of myself and my team for living such authentic professionalism with a holistic approach. As with every client we work with and work we undertake, we approach it with considered respect and absolute attention – that’s why in the end it worked for us and our client. So, that’s what I took from my recent experience, so what can you take?
As a Business Owner or Senior Manager, I believe it means you need to ask yourself and/or your consultants assisting you, the following questions. However, I believe, if you are engaging good consultants to assist you they will ask you these questions and provide these answers without you asking.
- If we do this what are the possible risks and/or implications?
- Do you recommend anything different?
- Is this the right approach for my business, the vision and our values?
- Do you recommend anything else?
- Are there other alternatives?
- Will this give me the desired and required result?
- Should I ask someone that may understand this area of business better than me?
- Is your consultant a specialist in what they are advising on?
- Does your consultant have support in overlapping issues?
At HR Business Direction we will recommend what we believe you need which may be different to what you believe you need. We provide frank and fearless advice about the right thing to do for your business, even when this is hard for us or you. Contact us here.
Leisa Messer BBus(HRM); GradDipIR; CAHRI; IRSQ
Managing Director | HR Strategist
leisa.messer@hrbd.com.au
07 3890 2066
www.hrbd.com.au
