Role of the Organizational Consultant: Raising Performance

Integrating an organizational consultant into a company can prove to be a wise strategy for meeting operational challenges and optimizing the internal structure.

These professionals bring an expert and external perspective, promoting the positive evolution of the organization.

If you are looking for an organizational consultant do not hesitate to contact us.

What is an organizational consultant

An organizational consultant, often referred to as a management consultant, is an external professional who specializes in optimizing structures and processes within companies. Its main role is to provide neutral expertise and an objective perspective to solve organizational challenges.

Hired temporarily, the organizational consultant works to increase the operational efficiency and overall performance of the company that requests him.

Role of the organizational consultant in your business

The organizational consultant focuses on solving operational problems.

Its missions include a lot of different and varied tasks. The analysis of the situation, the establishment of a diagnosis, the proposal of recommendations, the implementation of solutions, the support of the client in this process, the updating of regulatory documentation, and the implementation of preventive actions are all missions that are entrusted to him.

Missions of an Organizational Consultant

Situation analysis: Carefully examine the customer context

Before any intervention, the organizational consultant must be aware of the specific environment of the client or company. This phase involves careful observation of existing processes, organizational culture, team dynamics, and challenges encountered.

The objective is to understand the context in order to identify areas in need of improvement and to determine potential opportunities.

Diagnosis: establish a precise diagnosis of the existing situation

Based on his initial analysis, the consultant must develop a detailed diagnosis of the current situation. This stage involves a rigorous assessment of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). The diagnosis is the basis on which recommendations and solutions will be formulated, guaranteeing an informed and targeted approach.

Recommendations and solutions: propose recommendations and adapted solutions

Once the diagnosis is complete, the consultant makes strategic recommendations. These recommendations are linked to the goals of the company and are aimed at resolving the problems identified. Proposed solutions may include organizational adjustments, process changes, specific training, or other initiatives to optimize team performance.

Implementation of solutions: ensure the effective implementation of the selected solutions

The consultant's work is not limited to proposing solutions. He also oversees their implementation. This means working closely with internal teams to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

The consultant ensures that changes are integrated consistently across the organization, minimizing potential disruptions.

Support: Support the customer or company throughout the process

Once the solutions are implemented, it ensures continuous monitoring, offering support to teams and managers throughout the transition process.

This may include additional training sessions, adjustments based on feedback, and global support to ensure the sustainability of the changes made.

Documentary update: keep regulatory documentation up to date

In a constantly changing environment, the organizational consultant ensures that the company's regulatory documentation is constantly updated.

This ensures compliance with current standards and prepares the organization to anticipate future changes.

MImplement preventive actions to anticipate potential problems

The organizational consultant takes a proactive approach by implementing preventive measures to anticipate possible future challenges.

This may involve creating risk management protocols, training staff in new practices, or setting up surveillance systems to quickly detect and resolve issues.

Les Competencies of consultants In organization

Hard skills

The skills of an organizational consultant include a set of abilities that are essential to successfully carry out their missions and generate a positive impact within the client company.

Analysis of customer needs:
- Ability to deeply understand the specific needs of the business.
- Use of appropriate methodologies to gather information.
- Active listening to identify real and potential issues.
Definition of goals:
- Ability to translate identified needs into clear and measurable objectives with performance indicators.
- Alignment of goals with the company's overall strategy.
Proposed process improvements:
- Ability to assess existing processes and identify areas for optimization.
- Creation of solutions to improve operational efficiency.
- Integration of a sustainable approach to promote long-term adaptability.
Project management:
- Planning and coordination of the various stages of a mission.
- Careful allocation of resources to ensure that deadlines and budgets are respected.
- Use of project management tools to ensure adequate visibility and monitoring.
Complex problem solving:
- In-depth analysis of organizational challenges to identify appropriate solutions.
- Anticipation of the consequences of decisions taken.

The soft skills needed

Soft skills, or behavioral skills, are just as crucial as technical skills in the role of an organizational consultant.

These personal traits contribute to forging a collaborative approach and facilitating the successful implementation of recommendations.

Observer:
- Identifying significant details: Ability to identify specific and relevant elements in the work environment.
- Analysis: They need to be able to discern information that may influence the results.
Diplomat:
- Professional relationship management: They need to be able to deal with interpersonal relationships skilfully, in a sensitive and respectful manner.
- Diplomatic negotiation: Organizational consultants need to be able to resolve conflicts and reach agreements that are beneficial to all parties.
Communicating:
- Clear and efficient transmission: Have the ability to communicate information in an accessible and understandable manner.
- Active listening: Listening carefully to the concerns of stakeholders and responding to them appropriately is necessary.
- Adaptability of the message: Adjust the communication style according to the audience to ensure optimal understanding.
Adaptability:
- Organizational consultants need to be able to adapt to varied professional environments, while being flexible in the face of unexpected changes.
- reactivity to deal with constantly changing situations is necessary.
Collaboration:
- Working effectively as a team with members of the client company is necessary to create a solid partnership with internal stakeholders.
- In addition, encouraging the participation and contribution of all actors involved is a plus.

Salary and career prospects

Remuneration:

The salary of an organizational consultant depends on a variety of factors such as experience, area of expertise, geographic location, and company size.

In general, we observe an average annual salary varying between 50,000 euros for the most junior to more than 100,000 euros for experts. It should be noted that this range can be adjusted according to the specifics of the labor market.

Often carried out as a freelancer, the job of organizational consultant is paid by a Average daily rate (TIMM). This is between 550 euros and 1200 euros, reflecting the added value that the consultant brings to each day of service as well as the various parameters mentioned earlier.

Development prospects:

The profession of organizational consultant offers interesting career opportunities for those who wish to progress in their career.

Project manager : By evolving into a project manager role, the consultant takes charge of the complete management of transformation projects within the client company.
Interim manager : A consultant can access management positions where they supervise a team of consultants and play a key role in driving organizational change by achieving set strategic goals.
Consulting Director: The consulting director is responsible for the overall vision of the consulting practice within a consulting firm. This role often involves strategic decisions, the management of multiple projects, and a significant influence on company management.

Tips for hiring an organizational consultant

When hiring an organizational consultant, be sure to clearly define your needs as well as the objectives, to establish transparent communication, and to provide access to the information necessary for effective intervention.

Courses and Prerequisites

Appropriate training includes:

A bachelor's degree in economic and social administration
A master's degree in organization, organizational economics, business strategy, or any other equivalent degree.
Candidates may also consider specialized schools, business school degrees, engineering schools (A bac+5 degree, whether in business or engineering school, is particularly recommended for complete preparation for this demanding role.).
Certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI).