When I mention that I'm a management consultant, it often raises eyebrows, followed by the inevitable question, "But why do companies need consultants?"

Let's delve into the core reasons behind this.

1. Craving an External Perspective:

Just as we, in our personal lives, seek advice from trusted friends or family when facing dilemmas, businesses too yearn for external viewpoints, especially during challenging times. While they might have ideas on tackling issues, an external validation ensures they're on the right track. Consultants, with their diverse experience across sectors, offer insights grounded in real-world solutions they've seen work. This reservoir of knowledge means they can introduce innovative strategies or pinpoint challenges that the internal team might overlook.

2. A Need for Additional Manpower:

At times, critical projects arise that are beyond the capacity of the current team, yet are transient in nature. It's impractical to hire full-time employees for short-term projects. For instance, a specific integration post-merger might need a large team for a short duration. Consultants slide into this role seamlessly. They act as temporary, yet expert reinforcements. Given their vast experience across different companies, they adapt quickly, ensuring the onboarding process is smooth and efficient.

3. Access to Expertise:

One of the predominant reasons companies lean towards consultants is the specialized skills they bring to the table. Let's say a company needs expertise in "Lean Six Sigma process design" - hiring a full-time expert might not be cost-effective, especially if the demand for this skill is sporadic. Consultants bridge this gap, allowing companies to tap into niche expertise precisely when needed.

4. Seeking a Neutral Arena:

Challenging projects, especially those that are controversial, often get mired in internal politics or emotional biases. Making objective decisions in such an environment can be daunting. Enter consultants. Their external stance ensures they view problems with an unbiased lens, making it easier for them to navigate tricky terrains. Think of George Clooney's character in "Up in the Air." He was brought in to handle sensitive tasks, ensuring that the process, though difficult, was managed professionally. Similarly, consultants can steer challenging projects, ensuring they're handled with expertise, and without the risk of internal repercussions.

In essence, consultants act as the bridge, filling gaps in expertise, manpower, or simply offering a fresh perspective. They provide companies with the agility to adapt, innovate, and navigate challenges with an expert at their side.