These days, while many managers, executives and organizations as a whole are focused on reducing costs by spending less on outside resources, it’s important to remember that cost, although important, shouldn’t be the determining factor when selecting a Lean Six Sigma consultant.
There are thousands of Lean Six Sigma consulting firms and consultants that are ready and willing to work with you and your company. How do you decide among them? What characteristics and factors should you consider? Industry experience? Cost? Reputation or brand cache?
While these are all quite obvious and frequently considered factors, many decision makers don’t heavily consider the following critical factors when deciding on the best consulting firm or consultant.
Similar Core Values or Philosophies
Any productive relationship begins on the basis of shared values. The same, common-sense ideology can and should be applied when selecting business partners. Break down the complexities of:
- How you’ll go about solving your problems
- When’s the best time to set aside to work on those problems, and
- Who will be responsible for managing the project – and
- You’ll find what you’ll be left with is “Why?”
“Why” are we here? “Why” are we doing what we’re doing? It’s important to ask yourself and your team these types of reflective questions before setting out to find the consulting firm that best fits your needs. You don’t know what you need until you know who you are (in this case, you are your situation, which are your resources and your goals).
After you understand what your values are and why you’re doing what you’re doing, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence you’ll need to make the best decision.
Complement Your Work Life, Not Complicate It
Excellent service goes a long way – farther than most managers and executives realize. A consultant that understands the way you and your organization truly function gives them the insight to perform in ways that complements your life, not complicate it.
A friendly, welcoming approach can mean the difference between obtaining approval from appropriate stakeholders and being shut down – pushing your Lean Six Sigma process improvement project off its tracks.
Consultants Who Preach What They Practice
What better way is there to guide your team to success than to lead by example? Consultants who apply their coaching and continuous learning habits to their own work are typically reliable markers of accountability and trustworthiness. Strong confidence that a consultant will be proactive and accountable can provide you with the peace of mind that your projects are on track and on budget.
Experienced, successful consultants quite often apply Lean Six Sigma principles to their own work; from communication techniques, to solving problems and beyond. Great consultants are also easily accessible and approachable, enabling them to foster communication and promote collaboration between your team members and eventually throughout your entire organization.
Search Smarter, Not Harder
Organizations can spend weeks, months and even years seeking a consulting firm or consultant who they’re confident will be the best choice for their unique situation. Our goal is to make this task easier for you by matching you with a consultant that fits your needs, your organization and your industry.
Spend less time searching and more time on improvement by letting us help. Get connected directly to a Lean Six Sigma consultant today.
What’s Next?
- When To Consider Partnering With a Lean Six Sigma Consultant
- Finding An Effective Lean Six Sigma Consultant
- Advantages of Lean Six Sigma Training
