Posted By Wazza A strange question one may ask, but it is something that I often think about. As many of you are perhaps consultants, what do you consider a good one to be? Obviously knowledge is a key advantage, but what else? Answers on a postcard. Thanks

Posted By Anthony Slinger Apologies Wazza, probably not what you are looking for….. A shepherd was herding his flock in a remote pasture when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced out of the dust cloud towards him. The driver, a young man in a Broni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses and YSL tie, leaned out the window and asked the shepherd... "If I tell you exactly how many sheep you have in your flock, will you give me one?" The shepherd looked at the man and then looked at his peacefully-grazing flock and calmly answered, "Sure." The young man parked his car, whipped out his IBM ThinkPad and connected it to a cell phone, then he surfed to a NASA page on the internet where he called up a GPS satellite navigation system, scanned the area, and then opened up a database and an Excel spreadsheet with complex formulas. He sent an email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, received a response. Finally, he prints out a 130 page report on his miniaturized printer then turns to the shepherd and says....... "You have exactly 1586 sheep." "That is correct; take one of the sheep." said the shepherd. He watches the young man select one of the animals and bundle it into his car. Then the shepherd says: "If I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my animal?" "OK, why not." answered the young man. "Clearly, you are a consultant." said the shepherd. "That's correct." says the young man, "but how did you guess that?" "No guessing required." answers the shepherd. "You turned up here although nobody called you. You want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked, and you don't know crap about my business.... Now give me back my dog."

Posted By Helen Horton Knowledge - goes without saying Experience - it helps if you know what you are looking at Tact and diplomacy - be clear and straight forward but not blunt and confrontational Respect - respect your clients and yourself Self knowledge - know your limits and stick to them - don't try to bluff it out with the customer they will know and you will loose their respect Accuracy - check your facts and get it right first time Punctuality - whether it is just getting up on time or sending your report by the agreed date - just do it! Finally; make sure you leave your ego at the door but pick up a double helping of sense of humour!! Some one with more wit than me would have worked this out so that the first letters spelled a witty and pithy safety slogan - I'll leave that to another consultant!!!

Posted By Alan Hoskins Paul, Sometimes companies choose to employ consultants to tell them what they told them. (not cynical, honest) Alan

Posted By AlB As said previously, Honest, Accurate, Relevant, progressive (leading to improvement) and punctual advice. Don't think that you're better than the people you're giving advice to - they pay you, and they can easily go and get another consultant, but it's a damn sight harder for you to find another client!! And above all, respect the client, respect the profession, don't be too stuck with repeating what the COPs say if there is abetter solution, and make sure the client gets value for money!

Posted By Bruce 1. someone who tells others what they should have known already 2. someone who then can take a lot of envy backstabbing about him making money over stuff they already knew

Posted By James M It depends who you are asking? If you work for a consultancy the answer may be a consultant that bring in large fees for easily deliverable work. If you are asking a client if may be the consultant that offers value for money solutions and doesn't tell him what he already knows!

Posted By AlB I agree with Bob, But if I was a consultant, I'd probably look at it differently - I would provide information that is useful and worth the fee paid by the , but not provide all of the answers as I'd need further work to pay the bills the following month!

Posted By Richard Asaolu I am intersted in becoming OHS Consultant.Can anyone show me how and what it will take. Thanks Richard

Posted By Wazza Well, a vast array of answers, and all of equal importance. I am looking at consultancy, as currently reviewing employment options. A couple of offers have come my way, but alas, nothing that can pay the bills, and as so rightly suggested, offer time with family and friends, which is a balance that I need to be assured will not change. As for experience, well 12 years in the services, manufacturing in the printing & now the mineral industry. Added to this are managing a £25M CDM project from a safety point of view, having a PTC, studying for a degree in Environmental Studies & completing a WAMITAB qualification. A breadth of experience, and perhaps classed as a 'Jack' and not a 'Master', but there is still a lot to give. The unfortuate thing is that Lincolnshire is not an open ended job avenue, unlike the South East, where many opportunities exist, but not to worry, I'm sure that somewhere out there is the right post, but I will need to wait for the right time & place. After all, patience is a virtue (Helen may of suggested that??) Thanks all of you for a good response. Wazza