Management Consulting Key Terms

Hiring a management consult is an effective way to improve operations of an organization

Management consultants can provide a variety of services to an organization. Basic functions of a management consultant include observing the operations of an organization, meeting with employees to gain insight as to what they feel needs improvement, learning other concerns employees may have and providing recommendations to management. Management consultants can also assist an organization with teambuilding, management skills and change management. Understanding management consulting key terms can help you know what to expect from your consultant.

Management consulting

Management consulting involves the examination of the current operations of an organization by a trained individual to identify problem areas and to work with the organization in developing a plan for improvement. Aside from providing advice, management consultants can also provide assistance with coaching skills, team building, implementation of technology and reorganization of staff.

Change management

It is only natural for people to get nervous when change occurs within an organization. Change management involves taking steps to communicate with employees the goals and objectives of the organization to put any concerns, as well as rumors, to rest. In turn, the transition process will go more smoothly with the support of management and employees and will provide the organization the desired results.

Performance management

Performance management monitors progress toward established goals and includes involving employees in suggesting improvements in how the organization can better meet its goals and objectives. Performance management also involves planning performance expectations and goals, monitoring performance, developing employee needs through training or increased responsibilities, rating performance periodically and rewarding good performance.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management offers an overview of performance management.

Coaching skills

Effective coaching skills involve the ability to motivate staff, communicate effectively (both verbally and non-verbally) and provide feedback in a manner that staff will welcome and apply in order to achieve the goals and objectives of an organization.

Performance measurement

Performance measurement involves establishing methods to determine how programs, projects and acquisitions are performing or meeting expectations using statistics or qualitative measurement.

Institute of Management Consultants

The Institute of Management Consultants advocates ethics in the management consulting profession. The Institute certifies members of its organization and provides continuing education through conferences, chapter events and professional resources. These professional development opportunities enable members to provide their clients specialized service in "Communities of Practice" related to specific industries and consulting specialties such as process improvement.

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