On the surface, the reason for why a change consultant is hired for implementing change is simple. They are the mavens on the topic. This is certainly true. Change consultants spend their time finding out about implementing change and taking part in it. They know the ins and outs of the method and can lead a business thru it. Yet, for all the simplicity of the answer, it’s not always the reason that a change consultant is hired for implementing change.

There are times when a change consultant is brought in for a political purpose. While managers are not necessarily versed in the refined points of implementing change, it’s the rare manager that is unaware of change management. A portion of the management team in a business may recognize the value of taking part in a change initiative, but lack the political poke to make the change happen. They may be able to convince the remainder of management to bring in an expert. If and when the external expert advises a given change, it can become a political bargaining chip. The expert says that this a good idea and we think we should go with this. It is a case when a neutral third party can create results when an insider might be engaged is to act as a support for bosses who lack the time to engage in implementing change full time. Again, the problem is not a lack of knowledge. It is an absence of resources. The expert can act as a full monitor for the change project when the bosses are unable to do so due to their other business obligation. In a corresponding supporting role, the expert could be engaged to serve as an authority figure for subordinates. The boss might be completely conscious of the change wants, but uncovers that an external authority is the most efficient means of getting subordinates on board with the project.

While being hired for implementing change because of expertise appeals to the self esteem, the other reasons here are also valid purposes. The change consultant is not there to feed their own ego, but to facilitate the change project. While using specialized data can do this, sometime playing the part is sufficient.

For more information, please see our website: Implementing Change