Project Consultant: Advocate or Accomplice? (Part 1)

In the world of project management, consultants often find themselves walking a tightrope. On one side, there's the desire to maintain good relationships with project managers and secure future contracts. On the other, there's the ethical responsibility to serve the best interests of the client. Too often, consultants lean towards the former, potentially compromising the very purpose of their role. 

As a seasoned project delivery consultant, I've witnessed firsthand the consequences of choosing the wrong path. Today, I invite you to explore this critical dilemma with me.

The Comfortable Trap

Picture this scenario: You're a project consultant brought in to assess and guide a major software implementation. As you dig into the project's details, you uncover some troubling issues. The project manager has made some questionable decisions. Timelines are slipping, budgets are bloating, and key stakeholders are being kept in the dark.

What do you do?

Many consultants, I'm sad to say, choose the path of least resistance. They might soften their reports, downplay the issues in meetings, or even help cover up the problems. After all, rocking the boat could jeopardize future opportunities, right?

This approach might seem prudent in the short term. It keeps the project manager happy, maintains a smooth working relationship, and doesn't ruffle any feathers. But at what cost?

The True Role of a Project Consultant

A project consultant's primary allegiance should be to the client and the project's success. This means acting as an advocate - someone who objectively assesses the situation, communicates transparently, and isn't afraid to highlight areas for improvement, even when it's uncomfortable.

Being a client advocate doesn't mean being adversarial towards project managers. Instead, it's about ensuring that the client's interests are always at the forefront of decision-making and that they have the information they need to make informed choices.

The Ethical Crossroads

As project consultants, we find ourselves at a critical ethical crossroads. Do we choose the easy path of complicity, prioritizing short-term relationships and potential future contracts? Or do we embrace the more challenging but ultimately more rewarding role of client advocate?

The choice we make doesn't just impact the current project or client. It shapes our professional identity, influences the trajectory of our industry, and ultimately determines the value we bring to every engagement.

So, what does it mean to be a true advocate for our clients? How can we navigate the challenges that come with this role? And what benefits await those who choose this path?

Stay tuned for Part 2

In Part 2 of this blog post, we'll explore these questions and more. We'll delve into the key responsibilities of an advocate consultant, strategies for overcoming common challenges, and the long-term benefits of this approach for consultants, clients, and project managers alike.