How to choose a consultant

This paper is based upon the guidance issued by the Institute of Management Consultancy (IMC) entitled 'How to Choose and Use Management Consultants'. These basic guidelines have been enhanced by the author's own experience of selecting consultants and also of being selected. The ten 'golden rules' proposed by the IMC are discussed. These are: clearly define the objectives that you hope to achieve; consult with others in your organisation to agree those objectives; short-list no more than three consultants and ask them to provide written proposals; brief the consultants properly; see the individual consultant who will do the job and make sure that the 'chemistry' is right; ask for references from the chosen consultant(s) and follow them up; review and agree a written contract before the assignment starts; be involved and in touch during the assignment; ensure that the consultant does not save surprises for the final report; implement the recommendations and involve your management as well as the consultant.