A very valid and important question!
There are many reasons for engaging outside experts/resources. Here are some that our clients have found important:-
- We are independent of the company politics. Engaging us is a sign that you are keen to be seen to provide a 'level playing field', where all views can be heard.
- We design and focus on the process, leaving you free to
focus 100% of your attention on the content. Our processes are designed
to participation, engagement, real debate and effective decision making.
- We are only engaged where the content is important. The
cost of making the wrong decision, no decision or a 'fudge', plus the
time of your highly paid team is much more than our fees. [One client
always says "It is only expensive if it doesn't work!".. And he keeps coming back to us]
- As an officer of the company you have a statutory duty
to ensure that key decisions are made and risks identified and
minimised, we help you to make sure that key meetings are effective,
and strategies are implemented.
- Even the most efficient executive tends to have many
pulls on his attention. We make sure that things keep on track, whilst
you perhaps have to divert your attention on to the latest crisis.
- We can ask the 'dumb' questions that no one else wants to [the Emperor's new clothes syndrome]
- We can help cross-pollinate ideas from other successful firms in different sectors.
- We do not camp in your offices for months at a time. Our process is very lean and efficient. We only turn up when we add value!
- We run a very 'tight' organisation, so you aren't paying for our overheads.
- We are able to provide expertise that matches the 'big' consulting houses, but at very cost effective rates.
- Most companies carry a significant level of avoidable
costs that can be removed once the they start really performing. These
come about due to:-
- People not knowing they should be doing (Lack of clarity about the strategy)
- People communicating ineffectively ("No one told me...")
- People pulling in different directions
- People focusing on the wrong things (the trivial rather than the important)
- Leaders being to swamped to lead