Like many founders, I’m a strong believer in hiring external consultants when they bring expertise you’re lacking, or a much needed extra pair of hands during busy times. I’ve had success using outsourced accounting, marketing, PR and even administrative support. I’ve had some misses too – a good reminder that not all consultants are created equal.
The best consultants are personally invested in your success, and they don’t let the ‘consultant’ title become a distraction. A good consultants take extra time getting to know your business, industry, and culture. They learn your values and speak your language. Investing time in getting to know you increases the chances of success – both theirs and yours. Great consultants make outsourcing worth while.
You might be afraid to bring in external HR help, and it’s true that the wrong consultant will can do more harm than good. People who are too insular or work in a silo won’t be a good fit. HR consultants in particular need to respect confidentiality and have a high degree of integrity. Your HR consultant has to have your best interest at heart.
Here’s what a strong HR consultant does well.
Represents your culture and values.
Every organization is unique, and most leaders are proud of their company culture. One reason executives and CEOs resist outside help is because they believe there is no way a consultant will really “get” how they do things. A good consultant will ask about everything from your values to work hours and dress code. They get to know your business and industry. An HR consultant who shows up wearing a suit in a high tech company where everyone wears jeans can lose credibility. So can one whose language is full of HR jargon.
Collaborates well with the team.
Your consultant should know that it’s risky to operate in a vacuum. Someone who’s too independent or unwilling to build trusting relationships is a red flag. Most projects have multiple decision makers, influencers, and even detractors. Big projects will likely have an executive sponsor. It may not be necessary for a human resources consultant to spend time with everyone in the office, but s/he should meet key players, and keep the team informed. Some employees, even members of your HR team, may feel threatened by having consultants around. Consultants can overcome this by being inclusive and approachable. If your HR consultant is withdrawn or unwilling to engage, then reset expectations or find a better partner.
Openly and proactively shares information.
Unless your project is top secret (as in it actually requires government clearance), your HR consultant should willingly share information with people who “need to know” across the organization. They should figure out quickly who the main players are. Consultants frequently generate information including data analysis, survey results, and industry insights that executives and other leaders will find useful. No one wants to be surprised when information is withheld then suddenly revealed at an executive retreat or leadership offsite.
Makes recommendations that are industry relevant.
Everyone has tools, models, and methodologies that have served us well in the past. Part of whey you hire an HR consultant is so that you and your team don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Still, the consultant’s final product should have the look and feel you’d expect from your own team. Just because you’ve outsourced the work doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect customization. Beware of consultants who bring their own slides then add your logo. Their communications should include terms and acronyms that are commonly used in your company and industry.
Spends time and money like it’s their own.
Some companies are frugal, some more lavish. How you operate is part of your culture, and your HR consultant should follow suit. Projects should progress at a reasonable pace, meetings should include the right number of people and not take longer than necessary. Consultants should mirror your practices including travel costs and whether your order lunch in or brown bag it. Consulting is not inexpensive, but it’s a worthwhile investment in the right situation.
Are you looking for HR project support or outsourcing? Our senior consultants are available to help. Contact us info@reverbpeople.com.
