Posted By: Staff Editor In: Changing Careers Article written by: Paula Asinof
Every time the economy expands or dips, executives who are tired, bored, displaced, or in search of above-market earnings come out of the barn in droves looking for "greener pastures". They frequently assume that their experiences running a "real" company qualify them to provide insight and expertise as a consultant to other companies.
Meanwhile, consultants looking for financial stability have thoughts of going corporate. Consultants are often confident of their abilities to lead organizations. Who could be better qualified than them to run a company from the inside? After all, they have been the guiding hand for many companies strategic, financial and technology direction. They have been trusted counsel for their top executives.
Unfortunately, grazing in the other "greener" pasture is more complicated that it seems on the surface.
What Life as a Consultant is Like
The defining characteristics of the consulting environment are remarkably similar from firm to firm, regardless of whether it is a large global firm or a small local firm. First and foremost, at a senior level, success is based on the generation of sales revenue. Dollars equal power.
As a consultant, engagements are driven by thought leadership and strategy. Your clients typically have a list of problems that need to be solved -- and the list changes frequently. Corporate decision-makers assure that consultants have special access to people and resources. After all, they have already or will shortly write a very large check for their services.
From a delivery perspective, work is often standardized and methodology-based. Engagements have a beginning, an end, and a defined scope. Often little or no responsibility for implementation or outcomes is specified.
But, there are some exceptions. Certain contractual arrangements have shared responsibility for results and that is reflected in the fee. Secondly, the consultant handles implementation of a system or process. However, once it is "done," the consultant still leaves and doesn’t have to live with the consequences. Supervision and personnel responsibility is usually limited to performance on the project by the team members.
Should You Be a Consultant?
* Are you energized by smart people doing interesting work? * Do you enjoy a continuously shifting landscape of new problems to solve? * Are you easily bored? * Do you like providing "advice and counsel" with little responsibility for operational activities or outcomes? * Is selling fun? Do you like the thrill of the chase? * Do you enjoy socializing and building a network of contacts?
What Life as a Corporate Executive is Like
In corporations, whether public or private, profitability and shareholder value are the bottom line. For most executives, success is based on contribution to operating results.
Organizational leadership, from vision to planning through execution, drives performance. Decision-making and risk taking, with accountability for choices, is fundamental. Outcomes are everything. Activities are heavily implementation and results driven. Few projects are intellectually stimulating.
Most of the work of the organization is continuous and predominantly operational. Much is policy and procedurally based. There is a broad distribution of people in a corporation, with a tendency to gather around the mean in intelligence, motivation and interest in their work. Comprehensive personnel management is required by line and most staff executives to maximize the contribution of all employees in the company.
Should You Become a Corporate Executive?
* Do you like being on the front lines, directing others, making choices? * Do you like to see things through to the end? * Do you gain personal satisfaction from positive, measurable results that you had a significant role in delivering? * Can you keep focus on the long-term while dealing with tactical and operational concerns? * Are you willing to stand behind your decisions and be accountable for and part of outcomes with continuing consequences? * As an insider, can you gain the respect of others for your business acumen? * Are you energized by motivating and leading groups of people to successful achievement of common goals? * Do others follow you and support you?
How to Align Yourself with the Career Choice You Make
If you are a consultant and still think you are a candidate for a change to a corporation, consider whether you are most suited for a consulting-like role or for an operating leadership position. Your business acumen, facilitation ability, and communication skills are key skills that will be valuable in a corporate role.
If you are an executive and still want to try your hand at consulting, consider whether you are most suited for a partner (translate that sales) role or for delivery management (translate that project or multiple projects). Your experience of making things work in the real world and your ability to negotiate complex organizations will be helpful in a consulting role.
Remember, both consulting and executive roles have challenges and rewards. Neither is as easy as it looks from the outside, looking in. As long as you find the one that works for you, you will be where the grass is greenest.
Paula Asinof, Career Management Expert and Founder of Yellow Brick Path, accelerates the careers of successful executives and professionals who want to move up or move on to their next career opportunities. Throughout her career, she has helped clients, subordinates, and peers recognize their unique capabilities and position themselves as "A" players. Before, you even think about a career change, go to http://www.yellowbrickpath.com and let Paula create a customized roadmap just for you.
Comments
Posted by: John Reid
Does the search in the area of consultants needed automatically pick up my most recent edited resume?
Posted by: Nanette Swain
Interested in both Consulting and Corporate Execu.. Send more info.
Posted by: billadams
I been a consultant for 28 years and always looking for new contracts to service.I service a wide area of business, military and government needs. both national and internationally.
Posted by: Dennis Romanoski
The article did a good job in painting a pretty realistic picture about the field of consulting, defining what it is and how you can be successful at it.
Posted by: Don Baldwin
This is a very good attitude !Please send more information.Don Baldwindiemend1_2007@yahoo.com
Posted by: Nathan Smango
Franchising
Posted by: William Smith
I would like to get more information about consulting positions.
Posted by: Don Baldwin
Doing it correctly the first time.
Posted by: Carla
I would like to get more information on consulting. Very interested
Posted by: Lizabeth Katcoff
This seems to be the way to go, either Corporate Executive and/or Consultant!
Posted by: Richard Whorf
I would like the information that you have on becoming a consultant in the restaurant, hospitality industry please.
Posted by: Walt McDowell
I too would like information about consulting in the restaurant/hotel/resort/hospitality industry.
Posted by: John C. Gifford
Thank you After reading this the idea of consulting is off the table. My experience is long term improvement. I've enjoyed seeing a project through to completion. So thanks for putting my concerns into words so well. John
Posted by: R. Frank Lucas
As a Parts Pricing Analyst for more than 12 years utilizing communication with Top and Middle Management along with Customer Base, it is evident that consulting on a day to day basis becomes a part of ones position. Your article reflects many of these points and would enhance these points in promoting an outside consulting position. Regards. rfl 04-22-09
Posted by: Donald Poole
This is a good acticle. I would like more information on tax structure. business plans to address consultant llc corps or S corps required. Also what type of insurance is required for consultants. Where can you can get advise for all of the proper paper work etc.
Posted by: GAYLON HOYER
TYPICALLY A PERSON IN THE POSITION OF CONSULTING OFFERS SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO COMPANIES SMALL AND LARGE.I HAVE BEEN IN THE FACILITY DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES C0NSULTING BUSINESS FOR THE RESTAURANT/HOTEL/RESORT INDUSTRY FOR OVER 20 YEARS.TO JUSTIFY THE OPENING STATEMENT I WOULD SAY THAT AS AN OUTSIDE CONTRACT INDIVIDUAL, YOU ARE NOT SUBJECT TO "YES MAN" MENTALITY AND CAN SOMETIMES REALLY SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES!YOU CAN FIND YOURSELF IN THE POSITION OF SIFTING THRU THE CORPORATE QUAGMIRE AND FINDING RESULTS THAT ARE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT AND MORE EASILY INPLEMENTED BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT CONTROLLLED BY THE WORRY OF "WHAT HAPPENS IF THIS DOESN'T WORK"?IS IT MY PROMOTION?...AM I COMMITTING SUICIDE BY BEING OUTSPOKEN?.... AM I SUBJECT TO TERMINATION?....I TEND TO BELIEVE THAT EVEN MORE SO NOW THAN IN PREVIOUSLY BETTER ECONOMIC TIMES... FEW WANT TO OFFER UP ANY COMMITMENT THAT COULD BE TERMINAL!
Posted by: John Iwaszkiewicz
I would like more information on consulting
Posted by: Maranda
I want an opportunity like this. I am a very driven person who can be taught anything. I would like to know more about positions like the ones above. Thanks
Posted by: Bill Christy
I have worked in manufacturing/production for the past 35 years. I have always been a problem solver for each firm I have worked with. After seeing positive results of my leadership; I then always seek other challenges. Does this sound as if I may be on the right track toward consulting? I've been considering starting a consulting business.
Posted by: Michael Hadley
I would like to get more information about consulting positions.
Posted by: nicholas milione
Great article. I left corp. to become a consultant. I would not go back.
Posted by: Cheryl Gama On: 5/7/2009 2:13:40 AM
I have also seen the lack of job opportunities in my area of insurance(Workers Compensation) I have over 17 yrs of experience and think that consulting would be a great choice. As I can travel with little limitation I would really like more information on this.
Posted by: Steven Susskind On: 5/11/2009 7:23:58 PM
I have played a part in both staff augementation projects and consulting opportunities since '88.MY INDUSTY EXPERTISE HAS RANGED FROM TELECOMMUNICATIONS (AT&T) THROUGH FOOD PRODUCTS (DOLE FOODS). As a ancilliary team player my expertise had to be broad as to fulfill the requiremens of the client.I recommend that beyond a degree in the field chosen that certifications be addressed; as to compete with larger consulting organizations (such as Deliotte & Touche, KPMG, and others). Do not rely on Staffing organizations to direct your career opportunity.
Posted by: Jorge Torres On: 5/12/2009 1:19:13 PM
I would like to get more information on consulting positions. Very interested.
Posted by: Daniel Ware On: 5/15/2009 3:04:15 PM
I would be appreciative of further information on consulting as a career.
Posted by: Tashorna Pabon On: 5/18/2009 12:34:36 PM
I would like more information as to how to get started as an consultant and what industry is most needed for consultants.
Posted by: cheryl On: 5/19/2009 6:18:48 PM
The consultant career path seems to be a rewarding opportunity. I would like more information about the consultant careers.
Posted by: Jeanne Wood On: 5/26/2009 1:18:23 PM
I would like more information about Consulting, particularly in the area of Administrative positions.
Posted by: Andrea Taylor On: 6/1/2009 12:22:38 PM
I am very interested in getting started as a consultant. Please give me more information. Thank You.
Posted by: Edward Richer On: 6/4/2009 9:51:24 AM
I am very interested in the consultant option and would appreciate any guidence in that direction. thank you in advance
Posted by: Steven Waugh On: 6/5/2009 2:37:01 PM
Having worked as a contractor for 25+ years I feel it's time to become a consultant. Can you give me advise on to become a consultat for the US Military (Communications software testing annd QA)
Posted by: Pat Thress On: 6/11/2009 11:43:29 AM
I am very interested in consultant opportunities. Please send further information. Thank you!
Posted by: joe garafolo On: 6/18/2009 1:47:23 PM
I have been a consultant in the past, but working for several consulting firms.Pls send any info on being an independent consultant, primarily in the fields of real esate and finance. Thank you. Joe Garafolo
Posted by: Jeff Hollander On: 6/19/2009 6:27:28 PM
I would like more information on becoming a consultant in the health care field-Jeff
Posted by: Ella Strapko On: 6/19/2009 7:27:39 PM
I am very interested in becoming a consultant. Please give me more information. Thank You.Ella Strapko
Posted by: Wendy Spry On: 6/21/2009 2:26:36 PM
I would like more information about being a consultant in the eveny planner, hospitality area. Thank you, Wendy spry
Posted by: Christopher Bass On: 6/25/2009 10:26:08 AM
I am a medically retired physician who is still relatively young (40). I've spent most of my life in school and have a quite a bit of medical and healthcare experience and would like to work as a consultant. Problem is I don't know where to start and I'm getting desperate to get back into the workforce
Posted by: Chris Kenney On: 6/29/2009 9:44:25 AM
While projects are sparse, I have made myself available since a long term contractual position ended a couple of years ago. With considerable experience in numerous areas within property and casualty, primarily private passenger automobile, I'm anxious to employ that expertise in order to benefit insurance carriers or other businesses.
Posted by: Kevin On: 6/29/2009 8:57:28 PM
Very intersting article. Please send more info
Posted by: Howard On: 7/1/2009 8:09:46 PM
How do you become a Consultant without a College Degree?
