Presented by
Thorogood
This key text provides a practical understanding of the skills required to become a high-performance internal consultant, whatever your own area of expertise.
This goldmine of ideas, advice and techniques provides a practical understanding of the skills required to become a high-performance ‘internal consultant’, whatever your own area of expertise.
As today’s managers in support functions seek to redefine their role and effectiveness, the concept of the ‘internal consultant’ is gaining considerable ground. By moving your perspective from being a ‘colleague’ to a ‘client’ within the business you can bring major benefits to both yourself and your organisation.
Including a large number of charts, diagrams and forms and using his considerable experience, Mark Thomas provides a practical understanding of the skills required to become a high-performance internal consultant. This book is packed full of hard-edged practical tips, techniques and checklists to help you achieve the right results.
With in-depth guidance and practical insights, this book will help you:
All managers working in support functions, such as HR, audit, training, personnel and IT, as well as areas such as finance and marketing will benefit from this book. A high percentage of the content is also directly applicable to the role of the external consultant.
This course is part of our HR Strategy training courses series that aims to equip HR professionals with the skills and expertise to thrive within their industry.
‘A highly practical and valuable guide to the world of internal consulting by a global practioner. Mark Thomas has produced a book that is filled with excellent advice, tips and real experience. It should serve as a real aid to all who want to succeed in the rapidly growing role of the internal consultant.’
Bie De Graeve, Director, Tias Business School, University of Tilburg, Holland
‘If you want a book that you can use on an almost daily basis then this is it. Whether you work in information technology, finance, HR or indeed any corporate advisory role, the skills outlined in this book can increase your influence and impact from the first reading. Written in the pragmatic style and approach that is characteristic of his consulting work Thomas has produced a real guide to the new frontier of internal consulting.’
Gordon Downey, Senior Manager – HR Internal Consultancy, Lloyds TSB
‘Thomas has made an excellent and practical contribution to shaping one of the key roles of the future organisation – the internal consultant. It could even be argued that Thomas is describing the future role of all managers. It is no longer about exercising hierarchy but rather influence and impact through others. He sets out a clear and practical roadmap – a job well done that will help many to make the exciting transition.’
Alf Chattel, futurist and author of Creating Value in the Digital Era and Managing for the Future
‘Mark Thomas is a consultant from whom we can all learn about managing change initiatives, projects and clients. In this book he sets out an agenda that will appeal to all types of professionals. Read it and benefit from real ideas, skills and know-how. For HR people these are the skills of today and the future.’
Esra Bozkurt, HR Director, DHL
‘A highly recommended addition to defining and developing the internal consultant’s role. Mark Thomas offers a clear operating mandate for the change agents of today’s organisation. This book will appeal to all kinds of internal specialists as it is packed with practical ideas and approaches.’
Pieter Allers, Director, Linkage International
‘… there are many highly expensive external consultants who should read and learn from this excellent guide.’
Peter Long, HR Director, S1
Introduction
ONE: From managing change to managing surprise?
TWO: The art of client management
THREE: Marketing internal consultancy
FOUR: Managing initial client meetings
FIVE: Understanding and defining the client’s problem
SIX: Managing change
SEVEN: Presenting client feedback
EIGHT: Implementing, reviewing and exiting projects
NINE: The internal consultant’s toolkit
List of illustrations
Mark Thomas is a successful international business
consultant who has worked with some of the world’s major businesses in
the fields of strategy, change management, human resources and
individual executive development. He is a highly experienced speaker and
business presenter who has worked in over 40 different countries around
the world. As a consultant he has successfully sold major consulting
projects and development initiatives. In addition to his consulting work
Mark has authored several books on his key specialist people skills
areas.