Eight consulting objectives and how to meet them
The specifics of each project vary, but at heart every consultation is trying to answer some common, basic questions. We look at what these questions are, and how business process transformation systems can help you answer them.
Consulting has eight fundamental objectives
Harvard Business Review (HBR) published this list of objectives in 1982 (it’s still on the website as part of a longer article; check it out here). Although clearly not new, it feels like the objectives still hold true.
Traditional purposes
- Provide requested information
- Provide solution to given problem
- Conduct diagnosis that may redefine problem
- Provide recommendations
- Assist implementation
Additional goals
- Build consensus and commitment
- Facilitate client learning
- Improve organisational effectiveness
How business process transformation platforms help you achieve these objectives
– Provide requested information
Clients may think they already have plenty of information about their processes. The chances are they do – but it might not be accurate, complete or reliable.
Running process discovery gives a clear picture of the current state and lays the foundations for successful improvement. Doing it via a centralised platform allows more discovery methods to choose from, so you can tailor it to the client’s business. And it helps eliminate problems like version control or inputting mistakes.
– Conduct diagnosis and provide solution to given problem
Once you’ve mapped the current state, there are several tools that will help you generate a solution. Scenario modelling and simulation enables you to explore and evaluate alternative courses of action.
It can reveal previously unidentified challenges and opportunities, perhaps leading to a re-evaluation of the initial problem. These data-led results are used to inform the next steps and drive strategy, tactics and objectives.
– Provide recommendations and assist in their implementation
To deliver high-quality recommendations, you need a view of the ideal future state. A target operating model (TOM) is a template for how your perfect business would function. Well-designed, they help structure a business transformation plan effectively, and focus on actions to drive growth.
In addition, look for a platform that allows you to link your governance, risk and compliance (GRC) tools. Thereby ensuring your solutions consider and mitigate any risks.
– Build consensus and commitment
Transformation maps and dashboards help manage and communicate progress, ensuring teams are informed, and feel valued and included.
They clearly describe, usually visually, all the elements of a change process. They provide a focal point to return to, helping keep everyone on the same page.
– Facilitate client learning
Once the new process is finalised, work instructions and documentation enable teams to follow and implement it.
– Improve organisational effectiveness
Improving organisational effectiveness is the ultimate aim of any business transformation or process improvement. The BusinessOptix platform supports end-to-end process improvement, from discovery to implementation and beyond.
Let us show you how: claim your free BusinessOptix demo here.
Download your checklist here
- Keep these tips top of mind; download this handy checklist of the objectives: Consulting objectives and how to meet them
