The Future Nature of Consulting Services

Abstract

One of the most important attributes of a consultancy in the future will be its ability to integrate different skills. Today’s Consulting market is characterised by its focus on ‘thought-ware’, but it is just these types of analytical methodologies that are likely to become semi-commoditised in the future and which consultants will be expected to leave behind with their clients. However, the ability to orchestrate such methodologies and marshal specialist skills will be increasingly sought-after, and, because it is a skill which will be difficult to transfer to clients, it will be hugely valuable to the Consulting firms. It is a trend which will take Consulting away from its core, analytical way of working into the less rational sides of a client’s business — helping them grasp and respond to complex issues.