Most IT workers dread hearing the words "bring in a consultant", because it conjures up all kinds of negative images and bad memories. More importantly, it seems to pose a threat to their job security because the company is bringing in someone else to do the work.
If you've ever worked with consultants, you will have had either a good experience or a bad experience, but few people are in between. The reason is that there are good consultants and there are bad consultants passing themselves off as professionals. You never know what you're getting until the consultant shows up for work, and often you won't really know their capabilities until you're well into a project.
When an IT consultant shows up at the door, there are two expectations: (1) management is looking for new ideas and accelerated implementation of a project, and (2) co-workers are feeling threatened by the newcomer and often become unsupportive. The IT workers are upset with management because they were not given the opportunity to work on this project, and it was instead given to a stranger. What they don't understand is that management operates under many constraints, and that this is an immediate solution to a problem. It is also a great opportunity for everyone involved to learn from each other.
Introducing a consultant into an organization of any kind brings a new perspective to the project or process. A qualified consultant will have vast experiences that they can draw from, and is often the boost that management is looking for to get a project off the ground. IT employees can take away many good ideas and experiences from working with a consultant on a project. Most importantly, employees can take ownership of the finished project or process, and further refine it once the consultant is gone.
Instead of feeling threatened by consultants, IT workers should view it as an opportunity to learn new skills and work habits. Most consultants conduct themselves in a professional manner, and have many years experience in the business. They are usually brought into a situation where they have advanced expertise and can contribute immediately, and thus possess an immense knowledge base of which to tap into.
If you are an IT employee who is working side by side with outside consultants, consider this one of your biggest opportunities and take advantage of the situation. Watch, listen and learn as the consultants work to solve problems and implement solutions. Ask questions along the way and prepare yourself to take ownership of the project once it's completed. Find out as much as you can about the new techniques and technologies, and learn how to apply them to future projects.
Incorporating consultants into an IT organization is one of the best ways management has to solve a problem that they are not capable of dealing with themselves. Instead of feeling threatened, current employees should consider this an opportunity to learn and grow their career. Working with the best consultants in the business will only help you be a better professional, and perhaps give you the experience you need to advance your career.
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