Observing some misalignment between the Customer expectations and the services available on the market, a former sourcing & supply chain director, an entrepreneur and a specialist of Customer service decided to launch this company.
“During my professional life in different leading positions, from manager to CEO, I had to fill short-term position openings regularly, or lacked personnel with the experience required or the internal expertise to handle particular files. In turning to consultancy, I faced misalignment between my real needs and expert advisors or manpower solutions.
This often was the case because many providers and their representatives had no operational experience, and certainly not at a managerial or director’s level. They did not understand the internal expectations and pressure, what delivery and deadlines meant, or what a real lack of expertise constituted and often looked to revenue more than solutions.
I am sure most of you have experienced generic solutions that are presented as tailor made, junior resources promoted as experts, in particular regarding prices, expertise derived from books and rarely from experience in the field, or cases in which the consultant often is abandoned in a mission in which expertise in a particular subject, or support would be welcome, to give only some examples.
On the other hand, if you wish to have more constructive experiences, I believe that with respect to solving a capacity issue, or needing more neutrality or punctual expertise, consultancy remains one of the best support options. It controls the budget, maintains the manpower’s flexibility, ensures the availability of external expert opinions, and largely can be implemented rapidly.
Further, when working with experienced and reliable consultants, we can expect additional gains, such as knowledge sharing, as well as improved operational effectiveness.
We can also receive the support necessary to address emotional files more neutrally and efficiently. Outsourcing, crisis management, and organizational reviews are some illustrations of this.
However, how do we ensure that the need is understood at the level appropriate, that the consultant is the right one, and that he remains satisfied, focused, and will deliver the expected work? In short, that the offer of resources meets the needs and achieves the final goals adequately?
We can answer the first question by having a sound understanding of the issues and expectations, and active experience with the internal context.
Secondly, we have to build real collaborations to find solutions, plan and evaluate the missions, and eventually take the appropriate corrective actions.
Finally, by selecting experienced consultants and experts, guiding them and the customer towards the objectives, simplifying administration, and providing continuous education and development of both customer and consultants, we can solve the equation.
We propose that you engage in a helpful expert partnership oriented to your goals, and supported by experienced consultants in a humane and straightforward fashion.”
Xavier Fortemps