Q and A about organizational consulting

I did this Q and A with one of my organizational communication students. For the benefit of any other students who might be interested I am posting it here.

What made you decide that you wanted to go into organizational communication?

I really loved the “detective work” involved. I loved the idea that I could help figure out where things were going wrong, solve problems, and offer solutions, and in so doing I could make a real difference for people. I know first hand what it is like to work at a job you hate. I love the idea that I might make people’s job experience better.

What was your specific degree(s)?

I got a dual A.A. from Ricks College in Interpersonal Communication and Political Science, a B.A. from Utah State in International Relations, a M.A. from Idaho State in Organizational Communication and a Ph.D. from University of Idaho in Adult and Organizational Learning.

When you were a consultant, what were some of the most important communication tools that you used?

As I have mentioned before, the most important skill I think any consultant can have is the ability to gather and analyze data through various means. Observation and interviewing skills have been my most important tools. Still, none of that does any good if you don’t know what it means. Having a theoretical framework for interpreting the data is essential.

What communication theories do you think are the most important?

I think they are all important because they provide a lens through which the organization can be viewed and interpreted, and each has its own suggestions for solving problems. Still, I am particularly partial to Humanistic, Culture, and Systems. In my experience, there aren’t many problems that can’t be solved if people share the right cultural assumptions, treat each other fairly and with respect, and share information with those who need it.

What are a few things that you think a student should focus on in preparing to become a consultant?

1.    Learn about more than just communication. Take business classes. You won’t succeed if you don’t “speak the language.” This also gives you a good fall back position if you decide you don’t want to be a consultant.
2.    Get as much education as you can, both formally and informally. Gain degrees, but also read books, shadow professionals, volunteer in your community – anything to increase your knowledge and experience. By the way, volunteer work is a great way to get your name out there. People talk, and word of mouth is a consultant’s best advertising.
3.    Figure out what your strengths are and maximize them. Are you good at conflict resolution, or group dynamics, or leadership? Become an expert! Then figure out how to market that knowledge to those who need it. Carve out a nitch for yourself. There are consultants who make a very nice living teaching only public speaking skills to executives.
4.    Take every opportunity to become a better speaker/teacher/writer. A lot of your time as a consultant will be spent with those activities, and if you aren’t good at them you won’t succeed.
5.    Believe in what you have to offer. You have to really believe that what you have to teach or share can make a difference. You have to believe that people need what you have. It’s true, they do. But if you don’t believe it, they won’t. Passion cannot be taught, it has to be felt. If you don’t really LOVE this stuff, consulting isn’t for you.

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