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There are many factors that affect how well consultants can perform, especially the information they are given.
When an organization hires a consultant, it usually is with the projected end result of some type of improvement for that institution; however, this may not always be the result. A consultant sometimes will recommend a change or practice that ultimately does not work for the organization or specific department. Does this mean the consultant did not do a thorough job? Not necessarily. There are many factors that affect how well a consultant can perform, some of which cannot be controlled by the organization that is employing the consultant (eg, time, skills, knowledge, expertise). There is, however, one factor that can directly affect the consultant's ability to do a good job-the reliability and validity of the information provided to the consultant by those who work in the organization.
IS THE INFORMATION CORRECT?
If a consultant is collecting data, for example, and the collection process involves interviewing staff members, it is imperative that the staff members report the truth. Otherwise, the consultant will end up making recommendations that ultimately may fail to result in any type of improvement for the organization because they are based on inaccurate information.
If a consultant has incorrect information, the end result can be disastrous. That is why it is up to leaders to ensure that all information provided is accurate and relevant to the overall consultation process. Managers and...