ABSTRACT
In many cases, changes in a consultant's working style tend to result from client push-back and criticism, rather than a deliberate attempt to adapt before the consultant steps onto the client site for the first time. Of course, there are consultants who have learned from the experience, and as a result adapt their style and approach more readily. Consulting companies, big, medium and small, are no more than the sum of the people in them. Despite the economic slowdown that has spilled over into consultancy and the reduction in headcount that invariably followed, the need for good consultants will continue. A bad consultant need not be one that has not worked in the client's business sector. The consultancy market will therefore see the usual distinction between the larger consultancy firms, the boutiques, and the sector specialists. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
