3gamma, CEO Post - Traits of a great consultant!

What makes a great consultant? Well in the simplest term, I think it is in their ability to enjoy the roller coaster ride. In their drive to enjoy the quick ups and downs. To take sharp turns in good humor and to know when to accelerate and brake quickly. And, in the end, just wanting to do it all over gain ;-)

There are several interesting aspect to the mindset of a first class consultant. There is that part of their mind that resembles a gambler, in their ability to quickly move on after a loss. However, unlike some gamblers consultants can dispassionately look at a lost deal and learn from it.

Another component is in their capacity to enjoy the impact they are having on a project, without the need to be given any credit for it in public. I think people who get their energy from being in the spotlight are not likely to be long term consultants. As long as a good consultant is appreciated and given recognition for their work from the customer and among their peers, then they don’t need to make the headlines. A bit of a cliché but wanting your customer to succeed is a key driver for any top consultant and one aspect that I personally look for when recruiting.

We might be thrill-seekers and get our energy from pressure and uncertainty, but we are not fatalists. Many great consultants that I have met have that rare capability of doing their work to perfection, with the knowledge that the environment where it fits in is dynamic and uncertain. Meaning that we never fully own our assignments destiny. Actually, it is very rare for consultants to be in control of the decision making process around the work they do. However, their confidence in themselves and their work is sufficient enough for them to move on to their next assignment with passion.

Back to the roller coaster ride!

Have you ever thought of the necessity of being with friends at an amusement park? It is not something one wishes to do alone. This is the same for consultants, they also need to be with other people between the rides in order to enjoy them fully.

Consultancy companies need to ensure that they create an environment where their staff can share the thrills (and spills) of their work. A place where they can connect with their peers, where they get to to tell their story, can work freely, get input on ideas and thoughts and get unconditional support. A good consultancy office shows respect for it’s customers but it is a place where consultants can leave their clients politics and shortcomings behind for a while.

To all of you consultants out there on long, or short term assignments: strive for perfection, have fun and enjoy the ride!

Peter Wahlgren, PhD. CEO. 3gamma
3gamma - Great business deserves great IT^®

If you would like to know more about how 3gamma can help your business get the great IT it deserves, contact us now