Read Extra 8: Knowledge, skills and attitudes of the change agent or consultant.

KNOWLEDGE.

The area's of knowledge of consultants for market parties are:

logistics
strategy
organisational change (structure and culture)
marketing
administrative organisation
project management
information technology
technology
education and training
quality.

Give yourself a score (1: knowledge is not particular good, 2: sufficient, 3: good, 4: complete). Less than 15 points: a junior consultant. Between 15 and 25: experienced consultant, more than 25: senior consultant.

Consultants for NGO's should have knowledge of the following area's:

NGO sector
dynamics of being a value driven organisation and leadership
specific development of NGO's in terms of structure and culture
strategy
marketing (target groups, grassroots, movement, clients)
administrative support
project management
communication (including IT and internet)
education and training
quality systems

Consultants for women NGO's should have specific knowledge of:

gender socialisation, also in terms of organisations
the feminist movement
dynamics in women organisations (including with respect to feminist leadership)

SKILLS

The consultant in the market sector should have at hers/his disposal the following general skills:

• diagnostic skills, specifically the dynamic diagnosis
• problem solving skills (creativity, courage to continue, dealing with resistance, didactic qualities, conflict management)
• implementation skills (choosing the best strategy, offering support, creating support, motivating)
• communicative skills (listening, formulating, giving presentations, writing reports)
• marketing- and sale skills (presenting the own qualities)
• management qualities (guiding the team)

The consultant for NGO's should add the following skills:

• quick scanning the output of a NGO (in terms of quantity and quality)
• estimating the motivation of people (ideals and/or salary)
• defining the degree of external linkages (to movement, to other NGO's etc.)

The consultant of women NGO's should have as an extra:

• the skill to deal with gender topics (from recognising gender socialisation  up to using the feminist values)

THE ATTITUDE of a consultant

• being authentic & being able to adapt
• living up to and working within ethical norms
• being empathic and open to a variety of points of view
• confidence and credibility
• friendly and easy going, entering into a partnership with the client
• positive and optimistic attitude (having and showing)
• taking initiatives
• being able to cooperate in teams
• being content without being complimented
• being energetic and liking mobility (not having a 9 to 5 job)
• self assuredness (without being arrogant)

One of the most decisive factors of success of a consultant is the way he or she gets on with others. The kind of consultant that is most attractive is the consultant who is genuinely interested, who is not blaming the organisation or individuals, who analyses dynamically and optimistically, aiming more at the success of the client than to his or her own success and who is involved while keeping a professional distance. Someone who is a good companion, with whom talking, thinking and working is fun.