Whenever I mention my profession as a management consultant, I'm met with curious eyes and the question, "Why do companies hire consultants?" Let's dive into the real reasons.

1. A Fresh Perspective:

Imagine seeking advice from friends or family when confronted with a personal dilemma. Similarly, when companies face challenges, they often need an outsider's perspective. It's not just any viewpoint; consultants bring a wealth of experience from working with varied clients, offering solutions based on what has worked before. This exposure enables them to introduce innovative ideas and highlight potential challenges that might be overlooked by those deeply ingrained in the company.

2. Boost in Manpower:

While certain challenges are pivotal, companies might lack the manpower to address them without disrupting their regular operations. Recruiting new

employees for short-term projects isn't always feasible. Here, consultants act as temporary yet highly skilled reinforcements. They're accustomed to adapting to new environments quickly, making the onboarding process smoother. This way, companies can address critical issues without diverting their regular staff from their primary roles.

3. Tapping into Niche Expertise:

Often, challenges demand specialized skills that aren't available in-house.

Consultants bridge this gap. For instance, if a company needs expertise in Lean Six Sigma process design or specific financial structures, hiring a full-time employee might not be economical. Consultants offer flexibility – they bring in specialized skills on a project-basis, ensuring that the company doesn't bear longterm costs.

4. Neutral Ground:

Emotions and office politics can sometimes cloud judgment, especially during challenging or controversial projects. Consultants, being external to the company, offer a neutral standpoint. They can make objective decisions, uninfluenced by company politics or emotions. Remember George Clooney's role in "Up in the Air"? He was an external professional brought in to handle sensitive tasks. Similarly, consultants can handle complex projects or changes, providing a buffer, especially when decisions might not be popular internally.

In essence, consultants act as problem solvers, fresh eyes, temporary manpower, specialized experts, and neutral decision-makers. They bring value to the table, helping companies navigate challenges efficiently and effectively.