Maximizing the Value of Consulting

Chapter 7Developing Powerful Objectives at Multiple Levels

Consulting projects need objectives. Most consultants know this. However, objectives at certain levels are often missing. Objectives at the different levels define success throughout the project, from initial reaction of individuals involved in the project, all the way through to the financial ROI. Specifically, objectives need to be written with the kind of precision to provide direction, guidance, and clarity. They need to be SMART (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound). Without SMART objectives, consulting projects tend to go astray and not deliver the desired results. With SMART objectives, the project becomes clearly focused, communicating to all stakeholders why the project is needed, where the project is going, and what will be the measures of success along the way. This chapter explains how to develop objectives at five levels, corresponding to the levels of evaluation introduced in the previous chapter.

Overall Project Goal

The goal for the consulting project, indicates specifically what will be accomplished and delivered in the consulting project. This is sometimes referred to as the purpose, overall objective, or aim of the project. Every consulting project should have a goal, and in some cases, multiple goals. These goals should be as specific as possible and focused directly on the overall assignment. Examples of project goals are presented in the following list. As this list illustrates, ...