15 Criteria for Selecting a Consultant:      

1.      Breadth:  Expertise from their experiences across clients and industries.

 

2.      Clarity:  The ability to reduce a messy frustration into a well defined problem and a series of actions to solve the problem.

 

3.     Creativity:  Alternatives and ideas for growing beyond the status quo, informed from a wide range of best practices and cutting edge thinking.

 

4.      Structure:  Well-organized, disciplined processes for problem-solving, marketing and business planning.

 

5.      Relationships:  Rapport and chemistry with your team. 

 

6.      Content:  Proprietary materials, methods, and processes.

 

7.      History:  A track record of reliability and results.

 

8.      Packaging:  Well designed materials and solutions – user friendly.

 

9.      Networks:  Access to a network of experts.

 

10. Role Modeling:  Professionalism and role modeling that enhances the reputation and prestige of the client within their own organization.

 

11. Encouragement:  A listening ear.  A shoulder to cry on.  A backbone.  An encourager.

 

12. Communication:  Someone who keeps me informed about everything that is going on.

 

13. Honesty:  Someone who will tell me the truth without fear or filtering.

 

14. Dependability:  Someone who keeps his promises all the time or who communicates if something will fall short.

 

15. Results:  Someone who improves the condition of me, my organization, my employees, and/or customer relationships.