Predictive Success Blog

Having consultant skills can help you stand out against others when seeking a new job. Employers want to have the best business they can, which is why they recruit individuals with the key consulting skills that they require.

The more you are able to grow your skillset, the more professional opportunities you will find coming your way. Being a consultant for organizations requires ongoing development to stay informed, up to date, and are embracing new skills that will allow you to better serve your clients.

If you want to know the most sought-after skills of a consultant that businesses are needing in 2021, keep reading this article for our suggestions of skills that you can grow.

7 Top Skills Needed for Consulting

1. Problem solving skills

Many organizations turn to consultants when they require assistance solving or preventing a problem. If you can develop solutions that will quickly improve a work situation, it will put you in a great position for more successes. As an outsider being brought into a business to catch a problem, while understanding the cause of it will give you a different perspective from those who are directly involved with it.

Being a consultant requires strong problem solving and critical thinking skills that can be used to develop a concise plan of action. It is not always clear how a problem was made or how it can impact the staff, so it is your responsibility to gather the information you need to assess exactly what the issues are and how it can best be solved.

2. Creative thinking

One of the top skills for consultants is to be creative and think outside of the box. When a company hires a consultant, it is often because they are stuck and are looking for new and unique ways where they can be successful. You may be employed to find a solution that has tried to be solved in different ways, but where the results were not desirable. Alternatively, you may be asked to deal with a situation that the organization has not yet encountered, and are inexperienced or unprepared to handle.

Having a creative mind that can think of unique ideas, especially during challenging situations, that can benefit your client will prove your worth as a consultant.

3. Be client-centric

Putting your employer or client first and considering their business needs in all your decision making takes constant effort. Building a relationship with your client so that you are able to provide a catered service to their preferences over yours, is one of the consulting competencies that employers value.

It is important that your client understands that they hired you to do a job, and to trust your decision-making process to achieve the agreed-upon goals. Before finalizing any major decisions, present the information that backs up your choices, even if they may challenge your client’s wants, because what you are giving them is what they need. If you show the client that their needs are always put first, even if it means trying something uncomfortable or new, it will put them at ease when they see the improvements working.

4. Reputation matters

Working as a consultant, especially if you are your own boss, means that you are responsible for the work you do and the behavior you present. Building up your reputation as a qualified, competent, and someone who will deliver on their promises takes constant dedication and work.

Working on contract may seem like an easier task, but everything falls on your shoulders, so it is important to add reputation management to your consulting skills list. One mistake could impact your reputation, so do your best to stay on top of all the details, to continue improving your talents, and to maintain professionalism with all clients.

5. Strong communication skills

One of the top skills for consultants is having good communication. As a consultant, you are joining teams that need help, but also providing them with a service. Being an effective communicator will help you develop ideas and plans with management and their teams, while understanding exactly what their needs are.

Create a communication plan with your client that manages their expectations. Determining the form of communication they prefer, and how often you will connect with them will allow you to exchange feedback, have discussions about the progress of a project, and ensure that you are meeting the needs of your client.

While you may be inclined to handle your task on your own, most clients will want to check in and find out your progress and update you when needed. Being open to new ideas and changes, while also clearly expressing your expert strategies and confidently pushing back when necessary, will create a strengthened working relationship where success thrives.

6. Adaptability

Working as a consultant requires being adaptable to the changes that work for your client. You will be experiencing a variety of work environments, conditions, and personalities that will keep you on your toes, so you will need to be prepared to handle all these variables.

The problem that you are hired to solve can change or how it is handled might require reconfiguration as details evolve. Your client could change their mind about what they want your focus to be on, who you are directly working with, and how or when they want the project to be completed. This is why one of the many skills of a consultant needs to be adaptability since you never know what will be asked of you from your client.

Staying up to date with industry news and innovations can also help improve the way you work. Each client you work with could be using different technology or programs, so being adaptable to their practices can lead you to further success.

7. Stay organized

One of the most important skills needed for consulting is being organized. Keeping track of your clients, the work to complete, the deadlines for projects, and any other important details that are necessary to be successful. This is especially vital when managing several clients at once, so that there is no confusion or mistakes made.

There are many tools and apps available designed to help you keep track of everything, so whatever way you choose, prioritizing being organized will only benefit you and your employers.

How Can You Improve Your Consultant Skills?

Clients are going to want to employ the best consultant that can benefit them and their organization. That is why it is important to regularly spend time developing your skills so that you are able to provide the best service possible. The following ways are how you can improve your consultant skills:

• Connect with other consultants: Taking the time to get to know other consultants can improve your skills because you can share knowledge, develop better techniques, and be resources for each other.
• Professional development: Enhance your expertise by regularly attending courses, reading informational books, and watching online tutorials. Ongoing professional development will improve your consulting skillset that will improve the work you do.
• Mentorship: Find a professional in your field that has acquired more experience than you and who will be willing to pass down wisdom that can help you work smarter. Mentors can guide you through challenges and share valuable information that can increase your business growth.
• Stay competitive: One way to improve your consultant skills is to stay in the loop when it comes to relevant tools, programs, industry news, and technologies. Offering the most relevant and modern services can keep you competitive and in demand.

Practice networking: Getting your name out to potential clients takes effort, which is why it is important to network as much as you can. Going to events, attending seminars, joining groups with other professionals, and building up your reputation are some of the ways that you can build up your knowledge and client list.