The Ideal Business Consultant

The Ideal Business Consultant: Key Characteristics to search for while hiring Business Consultants – by Anna Kraska
In today’s dynamic business world, the search for the perfect solution is becoming increasingly challenging. However, just as important as innovative ideas or the latest technologies are the people who are up to the challenge. In this context, business consultants play a key role, bringing value to their clients through their skills and character traits. The ideal business consultant is not only an expert in his or her field, but also a person who possesses a number of specific qualities that allow him or her to work effectively with clients and bring real value to them.

The Ability to Listen and Hear

One of the fundamental qualities of an ideal business consultant is the ability to listen. Listening attentively, allows you to understand your client’s needs, even those that are not voiced out loud. In modern consulting services it’s not about just listening to words, but also catching nuances that can lead to more pertinent solutions. Collaboration will be all the more effective the more we allow the customer to express himself, instead of imposing ready-made solutions right away. Allowing the client this space to speak also increases our chances of better diagnosing the situation. A consultant who can listen is able to provide the client with more personalized solutions.

Flexibility as the important skill in business consulting

In a rapidly changing business environment, flexibility is a key trait for a consultant. The ability to adapt quickly to new situations and adjust business strategies to changing market conditions allows the best consultants to stand out in business consulting firm. A flexible consultant is able to work effectively with a variety of people and adapt to the diverse needs of clients. Flexibility in this profession is not only a desirable trait, but even a necessary one in today’s dynamic business environment.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Taxonomy of Skills – social-emotional attitudes such as curiosity and lifelong learning, resilience, flexibility and agility, and motivation and self-awareness – are recognized by business as the ones gaining importance the fastest.

The ability to adapt quickly to change, solve problems effectively and customize strategies to different business operations are key elements for success in this industry. At the same time, it is worth remembering that flexibility is a skill that can be developed, so let’s constantly strive to improve this competence.

Tabel 1. Core skills in 2023 (WEF Report)

Analytical Capabilities still in top 5 skills required in consulting services

“As in 2020, analytical thinking is considered a core skill by more companies than any other skill, and accounts for an average of 9% of the core skills reported by companies.”(after World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2023)
A business consultant must be equipped with the analytical skills to understand and interpret complex data and business processes. Correct data analysis enables you to solve problems, identify weaknesses in business strategy and spot potential risks. Having knowledge of market trends and customer preferences allows one to suggest the best steps for success.

Striving for Self-Development and Knowledge Acquisition

In today’s world, continuous development is key. The ideal business consultant strives to constantly improve his or her competencies and acquire new knowledge. Self-development allows one to keep abreast of changes in the business world and acquire the skills needed to successfully deal with challenges. Having up-to-date and comprehensive qualifications is essential in a competitive professional environment.

“According to the Business Services Sector 2023 Strategic Foresight report, jobs will undergo significant changes in the coming years. The rapid development of artificial intelligence will significantly increase productivity, and highly skilled workers will find employment opportunities, especially in more creative fields. There will be a new business model moving processes into the realm of algorithms.” (after ABSL-Talent Report 2023)

All of this will mean that a consultant who wants to succeed in the consulting industry will (not only have to) want to develop and strengthen new competencies – especially in the use of AI tools. It is also a challenge for Human Resources Departments on how to build an effective recruiting process in companies to find the best-fit candidates.

Table 2. “Global Talent Shortage 2023” Manpower – soft skills, most important for business:

Courage

Courage is a key trait for an ideal business consultant. It’s the ability to take risks, to make mistakes and learn from them, to speak plainly, and to challenge oneself and learn new skills. Courage allows a consultant to step out of his or her comfort zone and face his or her experiences, which translates into better professional performance.

Creative Thinking always desired in business consulting

“Another cognitive skill, creative thinking, ranks second, ahead of three self-efficacy skills – resilience, flexibility and agility; motivation and self-awareness; and curiosity and lifelong learning – in recognizing the importance of employees’ ability to adapt to disrupted workplaces.” (after World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2023)

Creative thinking is key in the work of a business consultant, who must be able to propose unusual solutions and look at problems from different perspectives. It is the ability to look for alternative approaches and tailor solutions to individual client needs.
A creative approach allows a consultant to go beyond the ordinary and provide valuable and innovative solutions to the client.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication and building lasting relationships with clients are key to success as a business consultant. The ability to communicate clearly and accurately, as well as having an empathetic approach to clients, allows the consultant to understand the client’s needs and provide personalized solutions. Building trust and conflict resolution skills are key to maintaining positive and long-lasting client relationships.

Summary

In summary, the ideal business consultant is a person equipped with a number of specific qualities and skills that allow him or her to work effectively with clients and bring real value to them. Continuous development, flexibility, analytical skills, courage, creative thinking and effective communication are key elements for success in this role. It is worth ensuring that the continuous development of the above qualities is included in the business strategy of a modern company, as it will certainly have a positive impact on the realization of business plans and objectives.

Author:

Anna Kraska

Project Leader & Consultant