Anna Kovska Consulting

#newsletter Embark on a voyage through the stormy seas of workplace discord, armed with humour and wisdom as our compass. https://lnkd.in/dFnxd-Tc

#newsletter Unlock the power of interim managers: masters of adaptability and strategic prowess. https://lnkd.in/dy4KChNb

#newsletter Navigating business realities is akin to sailing through a dynamic and ever-changing ocean. Just as a skilled captain must constantly adjust their course to navigate shifting winds and currents, entrepreneurs and business leaders must adapt to the evolving landscape of commerce.  I'm here to help you through the twists and turns of business and finance management, offering practical wisdom from the latest research and experiences. https://lnkd.in/dw3cXE-x

This piece takes a lighter, humorous look at the tightrope walk of #management #consulting ethics. We dive into the dilemma of consultants' professional ethics versus the urge to exceed contract terms for optimal outcomes. Imagine juggling your integrity, obligations, and client happiness, only to find the issue at hand is just the tip of an iceberg. It's like fixing a drip and uncovering a disaster — do you stop at the drip, or do you overhaul the system? https://lnkd.in/d6gQEumy

In management consulting, the agreement between a consultant and client is key, outlining expectations, deliverables, and project scope. This is especially important for new clients to prevent scope creep and conflicts. 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Consulting agreements serve as crucial guides for first-time clients, primarily aimed at enhancing financial reporting efficiency and accuracy. However, it's common for clients to broaden these expectations, requesting additional financial strategy or investment advice, which can result in 'scope creep' if not carefully managed. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 Consider a retail company that hires a consultant for supply chain optimization. As the project progresses, the company starts requesting insights into customer relationship management (CRM) systems – a significant deviation from the original scope. The consultant, specializing in supply chain, might not be equipped to handle CRM strategies, leading to potential conflicts and dissatisfaction. In another example, a consultant is engaged to streamline a company's organizational structure. Midway through the project, the client begins to seek advice on mergers and acquisitions, a complex field that requires different expertise. This sudden shift not only strains the consultant's resources but also dilutes the focus from the initial goal. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬: 1. Proactive Communication: Clearly articulate project boundaries from the start. If the scope begins to creep, like in the retail company example, discuss its implications and suggest appropriate adjustments promptly. 2. Boundary Management: Maintain professional boundaries. Be prepared to address expanded requests while clarifying the need for contract revisions. 3. Negotiation and Resolution: Employ negotiation skills to balance the client's evolving needs with the consultant's capacity and compensation. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 1. Understanding the Consultant’s Role: Recognize that a consultant’s expertise is specific. Expanding the project scope, as seen in the organizational structure example, might require renegotiating the contract or engaging additional resources. 2. Effective Communication: Address additional needs or changes in expectations openly to find a feasible way forward. 3. Respecting Agreements: Understand the importance of the initial agreement. Any significant changes should be mutually agreed upon, respecting the consultant’s time and effort. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 The success of a management consulting relationship hinges on balancing clear expectations with the flexibility to adapt, achieved through effective communication, respecting boundaries, and adaptability.