{"id":58040,"date":"2024-05-19T11:00:48","date_gmt":"2024-05-19T15:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/consource.io\/?p=58040"},"modified":"2024-07-16T01:29:51","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T05:29:51","slug":"comment-utiliser-le-conseil-de-maniere-strategique-pour-obtenir-une-valeur-maximale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/consource.io\/fr\/how-to-use-consulting-strategically-for-maximum-value\/","title":{"rendered":"Comment utiliser le conseil de mani\u00e8re strat\u00e9gique pour une valeur organisationnelle maximale ?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher, revered for authoring the transformative manual, \u201cThe Art of War,\u201d continues to be a beacon of wisdom in strategy and execution. His insight, \u201cStrategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat,\u201d resonates profoundly in today\u2019s dynamic business environment, where the emphasis on how to use consulting strategically often overshadows the criticality of adept execution.<\/p>\n

Consulting, when leveraged aptly, emerges as a potent lever for companies to elevate their operations, expedite transformations, and actualize innovative strategies. However, the landscape is replete with organizations that, while heavily reliant on using consulting strategically, often miss the mark in harnessing the true power of consulting. The essence isn\u2019t just in utilizing consulting services, but in doing so strategically rather than reactively.<\/p>\n

For companies aspiring to extract optimal value from using consulting strategically, the journey begins with a clear vision of the value they intend to create \u2013 this forms the bedrock of their strategy. Subsequently, it\u2019s about delineating the right tactics to capture the envisioned value. A harmonious blend of thoughtful strategy and meticulous tactics sets the stage for businesses to not only employ consulting effectively but to also advance their agenda in the competitive corporate arena.<\/p>\n

1. Manage Your Consulting Spend<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When senior leadership recognizes the advantages of engaging with consultants, it’s paramount to synchronize strategic consulting expenditures with the overarching company objectives. This ensures optimal value derivation. For instance, if a company’s primary goal for the year is digital transformation<\/a>, diverting a significant portion of the consulting budget to this endeavor is logical.<\/p>\n

2. Centralize Your Consulting Budget<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Consulting for better or worse is usually taken into account in your budgeting. As a consequence, the department that used consulting one year continues to budget for it while the department next door should get some help but does not get anything. Centralizing your consulting budget is a good practice to ensure balanced allocations of resources year after year.<\/p>\n

3. Prioritize Your Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Not all projects hold equal significance or promise identical returns. An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation, for instance, might be a high-priority, high-value project for a manufacturing company. In contrast, a branding exercise might be of lower priority. Evaluating projects based on strategic value, potential returns, and urgency ensures judicious resource allocation.<\/p>\n

4. Have a Well-defined Decision-making Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The decision-making process<\/a> is an essential part of success in creating value through Consulting. You want to spend your money when it makes more sense to you. Your process has to deliver the right value, with as little hassle as possible.<\/p>\n

The trick is to fine-tune the decision-making process in regards to strategic value and the cost of the projects. That means, for example, finding the right threshold under which the projects go through a simplified and faster process (fewer stakeholders, lower validation, little or no mandatory competition)<\/p>\n

5. Improve Your Sourcing Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your sourcing process for Consulting has to be aligned with your sourcing practices. Keep in mind the specificities of the Consulting category, where close collaboration between procurement and the business lines is crucial.<\/p>\n

Adapt the decision thresholds to balance the number of projects (and the amount of work), so the different entities procuring Consulting (local procurement, global procurement, business lines\u2026) can manage their workload efficiently while keeping the spend under control.<\/p>\n

6. Manage Your Consulting Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You probably have a project management process defined internally. With projects outsourced to external consultants, you are in a specific situation where you will have two project managers, one internal and one external.<\/p>\n

You need to define governance, KPIs, build a schedule, and do regular reviews. You can also ask the Consulting team to propose a governance model. And in such a case, you will have both, a project leader and a project sponsor. It might be a good idea to separate the governance bodies for execution and steering.<\/p>\n

7. Measure the Performance<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Measuring the performance of your consulting providers is essential to manage the quality of your Consulting panel. You have to put in place a system that is simple, easy-to-use, systematic and ideally, linked to your vendor management system. Share the results with the different stakeholders to get them committed to the system and leverage the findings to define improvement plans and manage supplier relationships.<\/p>\n

8. Define your Consulting Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The key to optimizing your consulting spend and developing a highly-effective consulting strategy lies with navigating the demanding business landscape today, avoiding underutilizing or overutilizing consulting, using the improper compensation models, or working with the wrong consultants on the wrong projects. But with a congruent and well-defined consulting strategy, you can successfully accelerate the execution of your business strategy and unleash substantial value.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: Use Consulting Strategically for Maximum Organizational Value<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In the world of business, where strategy holds paramount importance, drawing inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Sun Tzu reminds us of the essence of flawless execution. The relationship between strategy and its execution is akin to the symbiotic association between how to use consulting strategically and deriving value from it.<\/p>\n

For businesses to thrive in the tumultuous corporate terrain, merely seeking consulting strategically isn’t sufficient. It’s about leveraging using consulting strategically judiciously, ensuring every dollar spent translates to real, tangible value.<\/p>\n

To harness the full potential of how to use consulting strategically, organizations must undertake a holistic approach, ranging from meticulous budget management and astute project prioritization to effective sourcing and rigorous performance assessment. At the crux of it all lies a well-crafted using consulting strategically strategy, tailored to align with overarching business goals and the unique challenges of the modern enterprise.<\/p>\n

As with any strategic endeavor, the success of using consulting strategically engagements does not rest solely on intent but on the precision of its deployment. By integrating the guidelines provided, companies can position themselves to not just navigate the complexities of the business world but to master them.<\/p>\n

In doing so, they unlock the profound value that using consulting strategically offers, mirroring Sun Tzu’s vision of a strategy that, when married with the right tactics, paves the path to unparalleled victory.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Keywords” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” text_font_size=”0px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

use consulting strategically use consulting strategically use consulting strategically
use consulting strategically use consulting strategically use consulting strategically
use consulting strategically use consulting strategically use consulting strategically<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”how-conpulse” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e1e1e1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”How Consource Can Help?” image=”https:\/\/consource.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/lightbulb.png” image_icon_width=”60px” module_class=”b3_blurb_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|||on|||||” background_color=”#e1e1e1″ custom_padding=”40px|40px||40px|false|false” border_color_right=”#ff7700″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

When utilized effectively, consulting becomes a powerful tool for companies to enhance their operations, accelerate transformations, and bring innovative strategies to life. Empower your teams to elevate every project with Consource<\/a>, providing access to top-notch practices, an extensive template library, and cutting-edge project management tools. Choose Consource for unmatched consulting excellence for all your projects.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_button button_text=”Book a demo” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Book a demo” module_class=”btn-primary btn-icon” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” button_use_icon=”on” button_icon=”||fa||400″ button_icon_color=”#FFFFFF” button_icon_placement=”left” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px||10px|false|false” custom_css_main_element=”width:280px;” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

D\u00e9couvrez l'art du conseil strat\u00e9gique et son impact transformateur sur la valeur de l'organisation. Explorez les conseils et les id\u00e9es des experts dans cet article complet, et \u00e9levez vos strat\u00e9gies commerciales \u00e0 de nouveaux sommets.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":59028,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"section\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row admin_label=\"row\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.22.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p>

So, you\u2019re about to launch a massive consulting project, right? Feeling a little overwhelmed, are you? Well, don\u2019t worry \u2013 that\u2019s completely normal. Decision-making in consulting can be crucial, don't you think? After all, this project is going to impact multiple functions and locations, so it\u2019s a pretty big deal.<\/p>

But before you start brainstorming your perfect outcome, let\u2019s talk about the most important thing: getting the right people in the room. I mean, you don\u2019t want a bunch of dummies nodding along to everything you say, do you? That\u2019ll just be the recipe for a disaster.<\/p>

Instead, take a page from John Wooden\u2019s book and surround yourself with smart people who\u2019ll argue with you. Yes, you heard that right \u2013 argue with you.<\/p>

Because when you have a team of knowledgeable individuals with diverse perspectives, you can ensure that all aspects of the project are thoroughly considered and that potential challenges are addressed from multiple angles.<\/p>

With the right group of experts on board, you\u2019ll be well on your way to launching a successful consulting project. And if things get a little heated in the process, well, that just means you\u2019re on the right track.<\/p>

Your Team Plays a Critical Role In Decision-Making In Consulting \u2013 Who Should Be in the Room?<\/strong><\/h2>

Deciding who should be in the room when making big decisions is one of the most important aspects of any decision-making process. Obviously, those directly affected by the decision should be involved, but there are other key players whose voices need to be heard as well.<\/p>

Let\u2019s take a look at who are the right people to be in the room during the decision-making process.<\/p>

#1. Project Sponsor<\/strong><\/h3>

Having a project sponsor is essential to ensure the success of the endeavor. They provide oversight and accountability while facilitating communication between different groups and stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle, from team members to leading executives.<\/p>

In addition, they have the responsibility of representing the team and making sure that resources are managed efficiently. The project sponsor should not be mistaken with a project manager or leader as their primary focus is to act as an advocate for both internal and external growth, promoting the purpose of the project and measuring results against it.<\/p>

Simply put, without an effective project sponsor, it\u2019s hard for a successful project to take shape.<\/p>

#2. Project Manager<\/strong><\/h3>

A project manager is essential to success when it comes to completing a project. They have the authority and responsibility to bring the team together and keep track of progress, ensuring that tasks are completed on time.<\/p>

A good project manager will constantly communicate progress with stakeholders, providing assurance that things are going as planned and gathering input for areas where help may be needed.<\/p>

For any project or organization seeking to increase efficiency and productivity, having a supportive and experienced project manager leading the charge is key.<\/p>

#3. Procurement Manager<\/strong><\/h3>

Having a procurement manager present ensures that every step of the decision-making process is being done properly and efficiently. Their expertise in the area can help streamline the process substantially, making sure that it runs according to company policies and procurement best practices.<\/p>

Above all else, those knowledgeable about procurement can make certain that the most cost-effective decisions possible are made for your business, potentially saving resources in the long run.<\/p>

So, if you\u2019re looking to ensure a smoother, simpler, and more efficient workflow \u2013 having a procurement manager in the room should be at the top of your list!<\/p>

#4. Main Stakeholders<\/strong><\/h3>

It\u2019s true, if the main stakeholders don\u2019t come on board with the project, chances are it won\u2019t get off the ground. Everyone can offer something unique and valuable, that might contribute to making the project a success in ways we cannot foresee.<\/p>

We must ensure that communication is open and honest between stakeholders so that everyone is aware of their potential roles and responsibilities \u2013 this way everyone can be fully involved in getting the project going.<\/p>

It all boils down to commitment from all stakeholders; when we all share an understanding of what needs to be done, it sets us up for success!<\/p>

\"Dream<\/p>

Stepping into Larger Project Territory<\/strong><\/h2>

Understanding the Shift to Strategic Projects<\/strong><\/h3>

As you venture into the domain of larger consulting projects, the dynamics of decision-making evolve. While the stakeholders highlighted earlier remain integral to decision-making for any consulting project within your company, entering the domain of larger endeavors presents a distinct landscape. These larger projects are frequently synonymous with strategic initiatives, demanding a reevaluation of the decision-making process.<\/p>

Even though strategy is not always an explicit stakeholder, the group is responsible for designing and executing business unit\/corporate goals. And your project has a good chance to be a key piece of their action plan to make this strategy happen.<\/p>

They will potentially be your ally in evaluating the strategic value of the project. But they might also have ideas in the scope of the project. In the same way, finance is interested first hand by how the consulting budget is spent.<\/p>

If the project is large, you will have to convince them at some point in time that your project is strategic and worthy of the investment. Why not anticipate the objections and involve them early on? You will gain their support and probably shorten the decision-making process.<\/p>

What is a Strategic Project?<\/strong><\/h3>

You won\u2019t like the answer\u2026 because it depends. The definition is linked to the size of your company and the extent of your\u00a0consulting spend<\/a>. In other words, for an SME, almost all consulting projects could be falling in that category when a large Fortune 1000 company could have a threshold of around $250k.<\/p>

That\u2019s it. We launched the keyword \u201cThreshold.\u201d It has a special place in our consulting sourcing bingo card, right next to \u201cDemand Management<\/a>.\u201d Moreover, the best way to determine your threshold is to have a look at your consulting spend profile.<\/p>

If you rank all projects from the last two years from the most expensive to the least expensive, where do you draw the line representing 80% of your spend? Now draw a second line representing 20% of the projects (starting with the most expensive). Your threshold is somewhere between these two lines.<\/p>

To choose the right threshold, you need to take into account several elements:<\/p>