10 Traits of a Great Consultant

Consultants who stand out from the crowd have certain qualities that make them successful. They have deep knowledge and experience in their field, and they continue to learn and grow. They also have a strong structure and system in place to help them scale their business. Additionally, they are able to challenge the status quo and listen effectively to their clients.

Here are 10 key traits of what makes a consultant great.

Truly Experienced:

A great consultant has deep knowledge (not just years of experience) in their specialty that is easily evident. They have carried out dozens of projects for a variety of clients, and they take (or lead) classes and seminars to stay up-to-date on their area of expertise.

Continuous Learning:

A good consultant is always looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. They are open to new ideas and willing to take risks. They also stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments.

Strong Practice:

Regardless of whether a consultant wants to add staff or not, it is essential to have a structure, system and process that generate advantages and allow them to scale their business.

Therefore, a great consultant should develop a strong practice and participate in the development of young consultants.

Challenge the Status Quo:

Part of the nature of consulting is to focus on companies where there are established ways of doing things and challenging the status quo. A great consultant is able to identify areas where change is needed and suggest solutions that will benefit the client.

Effective Listening:

Discovering the nature of the company you are in, the challenges you face and the communication style used are all great listening jobs that lay the foundations for effective consulting. A great consultant is able to listen carefully to their clients and understand their needs.

Problem Solving:

A great consultant is able to identify problems quickly and come up with creative solutions. They are able to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas that will benefit their clients.

Leadership:

A great consultant is able to lead teams effectively.

They are able to motivate others, delegate tasks, and manage conflicts. They also have excellent communication skills.

Organization:

A great consultant is organized and efficient. They are able to manage multiple projects at once without getting overwhelmed. They also have excellent time management skills.

Adaptability:

A great consultant is able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

They are flexible and able to adjust their strategies as needed.

Integrity:

A great consultant has strong ethical values and always acts with integrity. They are honest with their clients and always strive for excellence.