Monday, April 14, 2008
Leadership Failure #4 - Too Many Consultants
I may be shooting myself in the foot because the next leadership failure touches close to home. As a consultant myself, I’m convinced that an outside evaluation and analysis provides an organization a fresh perspective to their situation. The savvy leader will solicit external information from experts when their is a lack of staff knowledge on the topic.
Yet, many leaders who believe that expert knowledge is required for all aspects of their business create an over-reliance on external consultants which hampers the day-to-day functioning of their managers.
Your team will become frustrated by inaction while all the “experts” you brought in have more immediate access to you and needed information. This frustration may show up as inappropriate behavior at work. Team members may begin taking things into their own hands when you have not delegated that responsibility. They are simply unsure of themselves and will try anything if not given direction.
Here are my tips to avoid these problems:
* Clearly outline the functions and expectations of all external consultants and communicate it with the entire team.
* Define the limitations of a consultants authority level.
* Explain to team members how the consultant is using their expertise to further the overall goals of the organization.
Tapping into the knowledge of experts is commendable; over-reliance on consultants does not foster teamwork.
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie