Article and self-diagnosis
When consulting becomes expensive: the problem is rarely the hourly rate
When consulting becomes expensive, the issue is rarely only the hourly rate. It is often unclear commissioning, weak receiving capacity or insufficient follow-up of value.
A consultant should not need to guess what the assignment should achieve. The client must be clear about problem, deliverables, accountability and expected effect.
Strong clients get more value from consultants. They secure knowledge transfer, follow up deliverables and avoid dependency.
Consulting support is often wise. But it requires governance from day one.
Why this becomes a leadership issue
When the commission lacks clear outcomes, recipients and decision points, the issue is rarely isolated to one team. It affects priorities, resources, accountability and the organisation’s ability to deliver.
If it remains unresolved, consulting spend grows without building value or internal capability. The cost appears in lost time, weaker quality, greater risk and declining confidence in decisions.
What leadership should examine
- Is the problem, baseline and desired effect explicit?
- Does one person own the outcome and have sufficient authority?
- Are alternatives, dependencies and accepted risks visible?
- Is progress measured as effect rather than activity?
A practical first response
- Define deliverables and intended effect
- Appoint an active internal sponsor
- Track cost, transfer of knowledge and benefit
The self-assessment helps identify where a deeper review should start. Use the result to choose a small number of decisions with named owners and a 90-day follow-up.
Questions for the leadership team
- What becomes more expensive if we wait six months?
- Which decision is currently missing?
- What evidence would demonstrate real improvement?
From insight to action
Assess the situation before deciding the intervention
Use the linked assessment to create a shared picture of strengths, risks and priorities. If the issue requires independent senior support, book a 30-minute orientation meeting.