Open any RFP for consulting services and you’ll almost always find one requirement near the top of the list: “proven experience in our industry.”
It’s understandable – organizations want assurance that a consultant can speak their language, understand their unique challenges, and navigate their context.
But here’s the danger: when industry familiarity becomes the main filter, you may end up with a consultant who knows the jargon but struggles to challenge assumptions, see beyond the obvious, or design solutions that break new ground. Peter Drucker said, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” Industry familiarity can sometimes lock both client and consultant into yesterday’s logic.
[Read more…] about Ten Questions to Ask When Hiring a Strategy Consultant
