Choosing the Right Management Consultant for a CEO Role

With my experience in management consulting, top corporate executive, and now as the CEO of a company I founded, I have gained a deep insight into the differences between these roles. In this article, I will explore the key considerations for selecting a management consultant that can effectively transition into a CEO position, highlighting the unique skills and capabilities required for each role.

Understanding the Distinct Roles

The roles of a management consultant, top corporate executive, and CEO are fundamentally different. Here’s an overview of the skills and engagements required for each position:

Management Consultant

Technical Skills: Consultants are typically project-based and require specialized technical expertise. Their role is to provide specific and specialized interventions for strategic initiatives, program implementations, IPOs, ERP implementations, etc. Project-Based Engagement: Consultants work on projects that have a defined start and end. Many times, they are not even around to witness the long-term impact of their recommendations or the successful execution of their work. Support from Top Management: Consultants often rely on top management support to navigate roadblocks, ensuring project success. Internal Challenges: Most challenges faced by consultants are internal, often within the project scope.

CEO

People Management: As a CEO, one must manage a wide range of stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and vendors. The job is much more complex and requires excellent people management skills. External Influences: CEOs face challenges from external factors that are often unexpected and uncontrollable, requiring a flexible and adaptive approach. Institution Building: CEOs are typically responsible for building the company’s culture, vision, and strategy, which goes beyond technical or business skills. Motivation and Influence: CEOs must influence various groups to take action, whether it's convincing customers to buy products, employees to join or stay, or vendors to provide quality services.

Key Considerations for Hiring a Consultant for CEO Role

While a transition from management consultant to CEO is not uncommon, it’s important to identify the right candidate who possesses the necessary skills and mindset. Here are two critical features that distinguish a successful CEO from a consultant:

Tendency to Conclude Topics and Take Action

One key differentiator between a consultant and a CEO is the ability to move from theory to action. A consultant might delve into principles and theories, while a CEO is more focused on implementation. The ability to conclude a topic and implement it is a crucial skill for a CEO.

Adaptability in Dealing with Different Situations

Another critical skill is the ability to handle different managers or situations with different approaches. A consultant might apply a single style in various situations, whereas a CEO must adapt to the unique needs and challenges of each stakeholder.

Identifying the Right Candidate

These skills can be assessed through a detailed conversation. While I’m not aware of any gender bias in these roles, it’s important to ensure that the candidate is well-rounded and has the necessary experience to lead the company effectively.

Conclusion

Selecting a management consultant who has the potential to thrive as a CEO requires a thorough understanding of the distinct roles they will be stepping into. Focusing on their ability to move from theory to action and their adaptability to various situations will help identify the right candidate for the job.