Back to the List
8 Comments

The Absolutely Best Structure for a Consulting Project

Every consulting project follows a distinct flow, especially from the client’s point of view. Can you improve the flow—and the value—of your consulting projects? Probably. Let’s take a look.

Chances are, your consulting projects are structured like one or more of the following examples:

Intervention

These are in-and-out, hard-hitting projects. For example, a one-day facilitation, a training session, demolition of a building (which isn’t really consulting, but sounds fun), or a few days of intense activity intended to have an immediate impact.

washington-monument-projects

Search for Solution

These are the most traditional, management consulting projects. Usually they commence with a big kickoff, then there’s behind-the-scenes work, perhaps a work session, culminating with a big meeting at the end in which the consultant delivers… drumroll… “the answer.”

search-for-solution-projects2

Sprint

This is an uncommon, but interesting structure. It typically revolves around a concrete, high-value goal that can be achieved in four-to-six weeks. I know a few, successful consulting firms that operate all their projects in this model. Often, the consultant assembles “tiger teams” of client personnel to tackle the project.

sprint-projects

Coach

A coaching engagement launches with an assessment phase and, preferably, a complimentary shipment of chocolate from the client to the coach (just sayin’). Then the client receives a steady diet of periodic interactions until the end.

coaching-projects

Implementation

After an all-hands-on-deck kickoff, consultants work steadily through a predetermined plan. (Sometimes clients reserve a cluster of drab, worn cubicles for the consulting team to occupy during implementation.)

implementation-projects

Advisory

Advisory projects are the least predictable, because the client uses the consultant sporadically, when needed during a fixed period of time. advisory-projects

Of course, your projects may look slightly different or combine a couple of options. But what’s the best flow to create value?

Clearly, there’s no single project flow that is best for every project. (Sorry.) However, I’ll give you two recommendations to consider as you craft your next proposal:

Experiment with Structure

Your first pass at a project approach for a new engagement will probably include a structure like most of your other projects–likely one of the examples above. Now ask yourself:

How could you use one or more of the other project flows to accomplish your client’s outcome?

Virtually every client challenge could be addressed with any of the project structures I outline above. Sure, outside forces sometimes dictate the calendar, and a massive implementation project can’t be handled during a one-day intervention. However, I bet if you assembled enough resources and focus, you could accomplish a one-year implementation project in six weeks.

When you experiment with project structures, your proposal will include approaches that are more compelling, intriguing, and powerful than your client or your competitors suggested.

Add a Dinosaur Tail

In my experience, virtually every consulting project benefits from a project flow that includes a long tail with spikes on it. Consultants generally leave the scene too early, to the detriment of the client and the consultant.

The fact is, virtually every decision, plan, implementation and tidbit of advice a consultant delivers will improve with tinkering and 20/20 hindsight. Why not account for that in the design of your project?

dinosaur-tails

I’ve sold and worked projects with every typical flow. Recently I’ve focused on improving the structure of my projects, and more of my engagements are receiving dinosaur tails.

For instance, I may start off the engagement with a kickoff or training day, then deliver a solution, then add a few sprints toward the end of the initiative to ensure the project is on track and accomplishing concrete goals.

Here’s what I’d like to know: how could you improve the flow of your projects?

8 Comments
  1. Mark Prus
    December 14, 2016 at 6:25 am Reply

    Another awesome post David! I’ve been involved in projects that had most of these structures but never thought to visualize it in this manner. Your visual approach nailed the key issues right away! Your regular posts are always the highlight of my email inbox! Keep up the great work!

    • David A. Fields
      December 14, 2016 at 7:07 am Reply

      Gosh, Mark, I’m blushing. You’ve highlighted a lesson we’ve all learned many times, yet often forget to apply: contemplating an idea visually can open our thinking to new paths and possibilities. Thank you for your lovely feedback and for your insights, Mark.

  2. Tony Rodriguez
    December 14, 2016 at 8:44 am Reply

    David, as you noted, we all at some point have used many of the approaches you suggested but perhaps not with the clarity it requires. thank you for reminding the importance of how best to manage a project.

    • David A. Fields
      December 14, 2016 at 11:29 am Reply

      Tony, clarity is always a good thing when it comes to setting up the best project. It’s easy for us to assume we know the best flow and just go with it. Spending a few minutes rethinking the project structure creates an opportunity to improve, and that’s always good! Thank you for being part of the conversation, Tony.

  3. Josh Greene
    December 14, 2016 at 9:52 am Reply

    Err, is your PO box the best place temperature wise to receive that shipment of chocolates?

    • David A. Fields
      December 14, 2016 at 11:32 am Reply

      P.O. box works perfectly. The USPS is used to me receiving shipments of chocolate and has a special, refrigerated mail box for me. Also, I’ve learned a sophisticated approach, called RCS [Rapid Consumption Strategy], that combats melting challenges. Thanks for asking!

  4. Alex
    December 14, 2016 at 10:44 am Reply

    Great post. How are those structures go with the charging models? I guess advisory structure must be charged hourly and there are no other options, while others structures can have various models to charge.

    • David A. Fields
      December 14, 2016 at 11:38 am Reply

      Terrific question, Alex. Project structures and fee structures are, for the most part, not connected. Fee structures depend on the type of work and assignment (e.g., commodity vs. high-value; task-driven vs. outcome-driven) rather than how/when the work is performed.

      As a rule-of-thumb, the best fee structure for advisory projects (the example you brought up) is a value-based stipend, not hourly.

      I appreciate you asking the insightful question, Alex.

Leave а Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prev Article

The Perfect Way to Start Consulting Projects

Next Article

The Benchmark That Builds Consulting Businesses

NEVER MISS A GREAT ARTICLE ON CONSULTING

Subscribe to receive insiders’ access to information and resources that will help you grow your consulting firm.

Note: By subscribing you are confirming that you have read and agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. You are also confirming your consent to receive emails from David about his articles, programs and recommendations.

Firm Type