Assess My Consulting

Self Assessment

Welcome to the Self Assessment

For each of the 36 competences, please select the best option that matches your current skills and experience

There are no right or wrong answers. There is no time limit.

Section One - Competences 1 - 12

Competence 1.

The ability to work as a team members in teams of varying sizes whilst getting the best out of one another.

	Puts the wellbeing and success of the immediate and wider team over and above themselves, looking to the greater good
	Gets the best out of themselves and other individuals by using individual strengths and respecting other's boundaries
	Performs own role while aware of the impact of their actions and able to manage conflict in a team environment
	Understands their own and others' roles and performs their own role effectively

Competence 2.

Key current and emerging practices that clients expect consultants to be conversant on, such as Security, Artificial Intelligence, RPA, Blockchain, Diversity, Agile, Digital, IOT.

	Experienced in delivering solutions which involve specific, relevant trends
	Industry thought leader, continually looking at the future impact, communicating and educating the consulting industry and clients
	Wide knowledge of current trends and incorporates these advances into consulting engagements
	Aware of trends that affect your specialisms

Competence 3.

Ensures suitability of role, and understand and acts within the contractual bounds, setting expectations and clarifying when necessary.

	Negotiates and clarifies responsibilities for all parties involved across consultancy engagements, and proactively addresses issues of role clarity
	Sets and resets expectations appropriately with all parties within the context of the consultancy engagement, pushing back on unrealistic expectations
	Oversees the assignment of responsibilities ensuring contractual terms appropriately reflect critical responsibilities and the distribution of risks. Implements monitoring and regular reviews to ensure obligations are met and concerns are addressed
	Understands their role within a consultancy engagement. Aware of own strengths and limitations, and escalates appropriately to ensure expectations are met

Competence 4.

Effective management of self throughout all aspects of consultancy activities.

	Demonstrates leadership qualities and is a role model for self management in the most arduous of situations
	Delivers tasks with emotional awareness , control and self discipline in moderately challenging environments
	Delivers tasks in stressful, time poor and demanding environments through adaptation, prioritisation and self reflection
	Performs allocated tasks within scope and time within normal environments

Competence 5.

Acts in line with client, country and international sustainability goals.

	Incorporates sustainability practices, and client sustainability goals, into all engagements, where relevant
	Able to identify and communicate sustainable behaviour and shortfalls within engagements
	Advises organisations on determining appropriate sustainability goals and action plans. Leads on integrating sustainability into consultancy work
	Awareness of sustainability and its impact on consultancy and clients

Competence 6.

Understands the cost model of consultancy activity (e.g. commercials for external consultants, or cost recovery for internal consultants) so as to act in ways that support good financial health.

	Understands the basics of how consultancy work is funded and performs consultant-level financial hygiene activities in line organisational requirements (e.g. delivery and timesheets)
	Determines the resourcing and costing model used by the consultancy practice, and establishes guidelines/policies to shape consultancy engagements in line with organsiational needs
	Effectively manages financial aspects of consultancy work in area of own specialism
	Controls and aligns the use of consultancy resources to maximise financial benefit to the consultancy practice across all aspects of consultancy engagements

Competence 7.

Can write, speak, listen and present using a variety of communication styles.

	Communicates effectively in one-on-one situations in a 50-50 manner providing honest status and risk updates
	Delivers effective verbal communication to small groups and well constructed written communication such as reports or articles
	Conveys and receives information in both formal and informal situations using multiple communication stylers and both verbal and non-verbal techniques
	Inspires large groups of people through multiple communication channels

Competence 8.

Ensures a positive profile of their consultancy practice e.g. through networking, conference attendance/ presentation and social media usage.

	Engages across client and/or consultancy industry events as a regular contributor
	Active networker and building practice profile through event participation
	Encourages and facilitates the consultancy practice to engage with client and/or consultancy industry through talks, publications, and industry leading positions
	Occasional networker

Competence 9.

Manages the long-term relationship with the client, in a way that maximises the value to both parties, leading to ongoing work.

	Can handle most client transactional requests and develops operational relationships with client staff and leaders
	Day-to-day interaction with client staff with a focus on delivery activities and relaying information
	Facilitates proactive and formalised client meetings. Develops multiple levels of relationships within the client over time
	Leads the approach to client relationship management at all levels of client leadership. Recognised as a trusted partner to senior leaders across client organisations

Competence 10.

Knowledge of local, industry-relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

	Proactively identifies and addresses requirements of legal and regulatory frameworks across multiple sectors and specialist areas
	Awareness of typical legal frameworks (New Zealand examples: 2020 Privacy Act, 2015 Health and Safety at Work, 2000 Employment Relations Act) and regulations that may be enforced through Ombudsman and/or Industry Code of Conduct.
	Advises organisations on approaches to legal and regulatory compliance in complex environments. Contributes to the development of industry regulations
	Specific knowledge of relevant frameworks that need to be applied in the area of specialism

Competence 11.

Is able to add value to client and consultancy throughout the consulting lifecycle.

	Understands the concepts of qualitative and quantitative value and recommends and delivers based on this
	Delivers what is asked for
	Identifies key success measures relevant to the client and specific engagement, using these to steer the engagement and demonstrate meaningful value to the client
	Leads clients in identifying their value-chain and prioritising value-based improvements. Uses value as a core concept throughout the whole consulting lifecycle

Competence 12.

Acts to maximise client satisfaction and engagement for example by active communication, issue management and managing expectations.

	Builds relationships and manages expectations within the context of the client-consult relationship. Tells difficult truths and manages basic issues
	Responds to client questions and directions, ensuring appropriate escalation of issues. Shows and understand the clients point-of-view
	Provides value-add for the client above day to day responsibilities, acting as a trusted partner. Resolves complex issues
	Pre-empts client requirements, provides visionary or innovative solutions which are appropriate and valued by client leaders. Acknowledged as a trusted advisor at senior levels across clients

Section Two - Competences 13 - 24

Competence 13.

Provides quality advice in the context of client engagements.

	Integrates expertise from existing bodies of knowledges across multiple specialist areas or sectors to provide client-specific advice and options backed by evidence and existing research
	Tailors advice to the client context, showing references to and deviation from recognised practices and bodies of knowledge
	Leads research to resolve complex and novel client challenges, to provide evidence-backed options that further the clients' objectives
	Provides high quality advice in line with recognised practices and bodies of knowledge

Competence 14.

Gains a knowledge of the client’s strategy, processes, structures and stakeholders, in order to successfully deliver and add value.

	Understands and can explain the internal client environment
	Uses in depth knowledge of all aspects of client context (including knowledge of similar companies) to recommend major organisational improvements that impact multiple areas of the client's organisation
	Uses in depth understanding of client context in areas of specialism to make targeted recommendations for client improvements
	Leverages expert understanding of client strategy and operating practices to deliver actionable strategic advice on how a client should operate

Competence 15.

Act in a way to maximise your consultancy profile by adding to the culture, knowledge and social elements of the practice.

	Attends occasional events as participant or contributor. Shares knowledge/experience in group contexts
	Leads their organisation in establishing a positive culture of knowledge sharing and healthy social dynamics. Sets a clear example
	Actively seeks opportunities for positive contribution to team culture, knowledge, and social dynamics
	Leads initiatives to provide team culture, knowledge and social dynamics. Manages through influence

Competence 16.

Continually and proactively builds relationships and profile through networking, self-marketing and social media usage.

	Builds industry relationships and senior level client relationship
	Builds wider and deeper client relationship. Keeps in contact with previous connections
	Builds Project relationships to raise profile and help delivery
	Builds international community relationships and develops a high industry profile

Competence 17.

Builds trust and confidence in clients, stakeholders and colleagues by demonstrating a positive and constructive attitude while driving to achieve desired goals.

	Positive and constructive in dealings with stakeholders and a reduced manifestation of self-interest in these interactions
	Shows trust in others and creates an organisational atmosphere of Honesty Reliability, confidentiality and transparency
	Understands how trust develops and focuses on helpfulness, honesty (not reckless), reliability and confidentiality
	Manages, clients, colleagues and team members with empathy, openness and transparency

Competence 18.

Follows a structured approach (such as ISO20700:2017) across the end to end engagement cycle of contracting, execution, closure and post-delivery in order to provide high quality deliverables.

	Creates, implements and governs engagement frameworks in professional services or client organisations
	Can explain the end to end process and works to defined quality execution processes
	Follows a defined execution process from initiation to post delivery phases (non-contractual)
	Follows a defined approach across the full engagement lifecycle including commercial stages

Competence 19.

Understanding of the business trends, competitive landscape, processes and regulation of the industry(s) that the consultant works in.

	Delivers industry analysis and thought leadership to impact a wide range of stakeholders
	Uses industry knowledge to deliver added value to current clients
	Proactively uses industry knowledge to improve client outcomes across multiple sectors and specialist areas
	Demonstrates basic understanding of, and can explain key elements, of the client industry in which they work

Competence 20.

Delivers and manages client capability improvements or transformations.

	Acts as a change champion to facilitate meaningful change for clients. Works in complex environments. Makes appropriate use of formal change management practices
	Delivers own work, providing support/guidance to others in their area of specialism. Shows awareness of change management practices
	Takes responsibility for large scale, long term complex initiatives, Shows leadership and manages teams across multiple assignments and across the full lifecycle from business case to post implementation support
	Delivers their own work and understands their part in the larger transformation

Competence 21.

Brings a pro-active, flexible mindset to maximise delivery effectiveness.

	Able to juggle work between multiple, related assignments, whilst communicating priorities when require
	Proactively adjusts delivery focus and agreements to maximise productivity, impact and value
	Adapts to external factors (requests or delays) aiming to constantly move forward or find alternative approaches to deliver agreed outputs
	Works across multiple clients and assignments, able to effectively manage competing requirements and pressure

Competence 22.

Is able to get the best out of others varying style by situation.

	Provides clear purpose, direction with clear roles and responsibilities, whilst developing and supporting others
	Works well in a team, being able to resolve simple conflict and encourage others
	Develops other leaders through challenging encouraging and empowering techniques and formal succession planning
	Develops others with lesser experience by mentoring and educating. Leads small teams when required

Competence 23.

Is familiar with and uses a wide range of consulting approaches (tools, methods, frameworks, processes, techniques).

	Uses simple techniques and is proactively building a toolkit of approaches
	Uses a wide toolkit of approaches from multiple specialist areas or sectors, selecting and blending appropriate methodologies to address client needs effectively
	Advises on the use of consulting approaches and develops new methodologies based on sound judgement and research
	Appropriately uses a clear set of approaches across engagements in their area of specialism

Competence 24.

Understanding and adherence to informal and formal standards of ethical behaviour and brings this to all activities within and outside the client.

	Leads the application of ethical practices/frameworks for organisations and lifts the ethical conduct of that organisation
	Identifies actual and potential ethical challenges in all engagements, taking action to remediate and resolve challenges (including willingness to end engagements where necessary)
	Applies professional ethics in addressing common professional challenges
	Aware of and follows a code of conduct that guides ethical behaviour in line with local expectations

Section Three - Competences 25 - 36

Competence 25.

Planning self-development of behavioural skills and shows track record of personal growth.

	Expanding knowledge, skills, and capabilities through intentional learning and skill-building activities (Courses, mentors, experience)
	Empower and assist others in achieving their own goals through mentoring, Coaching activities. Their own personal development is holistic and wellbeing focused
	Personal development focuses on refining existing skills and strengths. (Individuals at this level have already acquired a certain level of proficiency)
	Focuses on embracing change and fostering a growth mindset - open to new experiences and perspectives. Learning how to learn

Competence 26.

The interaction of personal, consultancy, client and societal values.

	Understands the importance of values for individuals and organisations
	Exemplifies own and organisational values, challenges and clarifies expectations of themselves, clients, and team (where relevant) to ensure values are lived through all engagements
	Implements enduring organisational value statements, holds own organisation and partners to the highest standards. Supports the development and implementation of values beyond own organisation (e.g. into client/partner networks, or professional bodies)
	Has a clear set of professional values that can be explained and ensures own behaviour and values are in line

Competence 27.

Builds technical specialism and expertise through education, qualification and experience. Can quantify and justify the level of expertise provided.

	Provides specialist advice to clients and others about their area of specialism, in order to bring about change outcomes across multiple sectors and specialist areas
	Leads the development of new models and methods in the area of specialism, incorporating and recognising expertise from self and others to further the specialism. Recognised by others as a leading expert and trusted source
	Demonstrates ongoing commitment to acquiring specialist knowledge
	Demonstrates ability to apply specialist knowledge to resolve client challenges in their direct areas of specialism

Competence 28.

Demonstrates the personal qualities and good practices of a professional consultant (Examples of Personal qualities: Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Independence, Objectivity, Accountability, Commitment, Robustness).

	Demonstrates commitment, robustness and ethical behaviour in everyday situations. Calls out unprofessional and unethical actions from others
	Creates, implements, and governs frameworks for professional behaviour in an organisation
	Behaves consistently, honestly and respectfully to colleagues and clients, delivering what was agreed and communicating if not able to
	Shows integrity and objectivity, whilst taking responsibility in dealings with colleagues and clients

Competence 29.

Collect requirements, and design and validate solutions for clients (Understanding Process).

	Works in non-complex environments as part of a team with some guidance
	Works independently in advanced environments in own area of specialism
	Facilitates the consulting process in complex environments with multiple applications, stakeholders and potential solutions
	Able to deliver solutions in political, adversarial or otherwise challenging and higly complex environments

Competence 30.

Act in ways to collect and reuse knowledge for the benefit of the individual and the business.

	Collects knowledge, adds to and improves the organisational knowledge base in area of own specialism
	Uses consultancy knowledge to solve client issues and avoid rework
	Designs and implement systems to manage organisational knowledge and keep it up to date. Knowledge is used for marketing, to create services, for innovation and as a market differentiator
	Drives the uptake of organisational knowledge systems and models re-use. Takes responsibility for knowledge segments across multiple sector or specialist areas

Competence 31.

Is able to work effectively in complex environments containing value conflicts, uncertainties and multiple truths.

	Recognised as a knowledgeable authority in handling complex situations, gaining agreement from stakeholders and delivering workable outcomes
	Works independently in regular environments, using appropriate consulting techniques and methods to address complex areas
	Is able to work effectively in complex environments containing value conflicts, uncertainties and multiple truths
	Works effectively on allocated tasks under supervision

Competence 32.

Ensures technically, operationally and financially feasible solutions.

	Solutions delivered under guidance; focusses on technical feasibility
	Develops solutions independently though narrowly; focusses on technical and operational criteria
	Uses knowledge from multiple sources include other consultants and consultancy, Includes financial consideration and innovative practices
	Takes into account all possible factors and guides others on what needs to be considered. Includes all considerations, Inc. ethical and sustainability etc

Competence 33.

Taking responsibility for actions and the outcomes of those actions.

	Go beyond being responsible and actively seek to deliver results and achieve goals.by, proactively address challenges, and take initiative to find solutions
	Take full responsibility for their outcomes, and proactively identify areas for improvement and developing strategies to enhance their and their team performance
	Understand that actions have consequences and take steps to meet their commitments and obligations
	Understand responsibilities and the impact of their actions

Competence 34.

Knowledge of the worldwide and local consultancy market, history, players, trends and reputation (five key topics)

	Understanding of fundamental consultancy definitions (client, consultant, consultancy, service capability etc)
	Uses extensive knowledge of the profession to create new viewpoints of the profession to guide own and other consultancies in addressing future challenges
	Extensive knowledge across the major consulting topics across multiple sectors (or geographies) and specialist areas
	Understand the origin and purpose of consulting and has awareness of the local (country) consulting industry, and how this has a systemic impact on current consulting market conditions

Competence 35.

Provides quality deliverables as part of the implementation team supporting the client.

	Provides high quality deliverables in line with contractual agreements
	Defines and agrees quality standards for engagements
	Evaluates quality through the full engagement lifecycle, ensuring that quality agreements have been upheld
	Defines and creates quality frameworks that support the governance of consultancy and client organisations

Competence 36.

Brings a strategic, top down mindset to maximise delivery effectiveness.

	Uses multiple thinking types and looks at the entire problem, project and client environment to successfully deliver
	Looks for patterns and previous examples of problems; may use multiple viewpoints e.g. top-down and bottom up approaches
	Uses ideas and frameworks from outside core consulting or industry experience and applies these creatively to provide fresh insights to client challenges and enable novel solutions to be considered
	Leverages multiple models or frameworks and can use a holistic, iterative and non-linear approach to delivery that help the client understand and address the underlying challenges

Your current experience level

Please select your current level of management consulting experience