What's A Consultant?

Perfect example of marketing consultant 

I was sitting in class the other day, wondering what kind of precautions a consultant must take while investigating an organization. By precautions, I mean how they approach certain situations without "rocking the boat" with co-workers, supervisors, or the head boss. First of, a consultant is defined as a professional who provides professional or expert advice in a particular area in hopes of finding a solution to a problem. Consultants have a variety of fields that they provide their service to, for example; law, marketing, engineering, or any other specialized field.

 First, a consultant needs to identify the problem. The boss/director needs to be addressed first before any of the general employees. Next is brainstorming possible solutions or actions that'll resolve the problem at this organization. Most importantly, the consultant will then take action to implement the solution to the problem. The consultant will need to evaluate the solution and make sure that it's working effectively. If not, the consultant might need to re-evaluate the problem and find an alternative solution. Lastly, the consultant will need to do a follow-up with the organization to make sure that the problem has disappeared or gradually fading away. The follow-up can be a monthly check-up. The follow-up should be frequent, not yearly because then the organization will feel abandoned. If the problem doesn't seem to be solved then re-evaluation needs to take place and find a different approach to tackle this problem. Often times bosses will hire consultants even if things are running smoothly. Bosses have a curiosity to hear what the employees have to say about their position and how they think the company is running. Which is really good for a company because it maintains balance throughout the spread of the internal organization. Every company should hire a consultant every year, or when there has been a sudden shift in supervisors/bosses. Just be careful when choosing your consultant. Do your homework and talk to other companies that have had previous success with consultants.

Successful consultants

Some organizations do not hire consultants because they get the feeling that they'll cause disruption to the internal organization. The term "seagull consultants" is a joke that refers to a consultant that flies in, makes a lot of noise, eats all the food, craps all over everything, flies out-never to return. In simple words, the consultant evaluates the problem, doesn't provide an effective solution, disrupts the organization, and never follows-up. They leave a disaster and aren't returning to pick up the pieces on the ground. After the consultant leaves, things tend to be worse than they were before, and you have wasted money. To avoid hiring a seagull consultant I would advise the organization to do their homework on good consultants to ensure that they do not waste their money and time. An ideal consultant will make their changes, and after they leave the organization will work better than before and continue to be successful years down the road. The changes WILL take time to work. Do not think that after a week things will be magnificent and all the problems will be gone. So, now that you have an understanding of a consultant, do you think your job is in need of hiring a consultant?

A Workplace Relationship

Establishing a good relationship within your organization is essential for positive vibes along with eustress. Your co-workers and supervisors have a huge impact on your behavior, stress level, and your emotional state. How many times have you came home in a bad mood after a long hectic day at work to find yourself taking your temper out on your spouse or children? As a child growing up, with both of my parents working full time, I've experienced them arriving home in a bad mood to find out all of a sudden I have twice as many chores to accomplish that day. Now that I've learned the job description of  a consultant, I could've referred one to their jobs!

Teamwork, Communication, & Unity

For my experience in the workplace, I have been able to establish good relationships with my supervisors and co-workers for the most part. My philosophy of establishing a good relationship in the workplace is that it does not start on your first day, but it starts with your job interview. The interview is where an employee wants to begin their positive behavior with the organization. Even if you do not get hired, the interviewee will remember you because of your positive vibes that you brought to the table. I've personally been hired twice, once with a Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA; and my current job with Jones Soda Inc. The Law Firm is a summer job that I've maintained for the past two years. The environment is very diverse, ranging from Caucasians, African Americans, to Koreans. Due to it's location in Los Angeles, the majority of the workplace is dominated by Koreans. At first, I felt out of place and didn't know how to approach them because they have different beliefs, and values than most Americans. Most of them were above the age of 35, married, have children, and live in stable houses with their families. While I'm just an undergrad in college and have little experience in the work force. I got the feeling of newcomer appraisal uncertainty (veteran employees may be uncertain about the newcomer's ability to competently perform his or her new tasks).

After a few weeks went by, I started to realize them as family, and if I was their child. They were all extremely respectful; taking me out for lunch, after hour drinks, and inviting me to birthdays, weddings, etc. The office had a positive environment everyday, even on mondays if you can believe that! Every friday, the boss would buy lunch for everyone. That was good for co-workers to catch up with each other after a longs week of work. Communication is the main goal in this Law Firm. Every co-worker had their own in-office phone that connected to each and every co-workers phone. This made communication much easier, but at the same time it led to less interactive communication. There was never gossip floating throughout the halls of the Law Firm, or at least I didn't experience any gossip. Most employees would keep their opinions to themselves that concerned colleagues.

During the job, I wouldn't suggest that the Law Firm was in need of a consultant because everyone seemed to be happy in their position in the job. A consultant is never a bad thing though, it's just to make sure everyone is on the same page. Even though co-workers might say they are happy, they might actually be hiding something within themselves that they're unhappy about. I would suggest that every job hires a consultant every two years, or when there is a change in management.

Work Work Work

Have you ever looked back at the first time your parents told you that, "you can be whatever you want to be?" At this point in life, we were all so young and naive to the work force that we replied with an unethical response. I remember that I wanted to become a professional basketball player or a pirate for the rest of my life. This is an example of anticipatory socialization. Most of us in our childhood learn about work through television, parents or any sort of media. 

Take a few moments and watch this stand-up by Nick Swardson about Childhood dream jobs below. 

http://www.comedycentral.com/video-clips/r2nh3j/stand-up-nick-swardson--ninjas

The next phase is the Encounter phase which is the point in time that you get employed with a new organization. At this phase you learn how to become comfortable with the organization's culture. I've worked at two different places throughout my life. I worked for my dad's powder coating business throughout high school. This job helped me set my feet down in the work force and begin to realize how much I wanted to just become a Pirate. I shadowed a few of my dads employee's so I was able to catch onto the culture very quickly. Once I graduated from high school I moved on and decided to get attend college for an Exercise and Sport Science degree. I was able to land a job with Jones Soda as a Brand Ambassador since I started college. My boss and supervisor are very laid back ever since the very beginning so it made it easy for me to transform from job to job. 

The last stage is the metamorphosis phase which is the transition where a "new member" becomes an insider in their organization. In this phase the employee tends to gain respect and are handed more responsibilities. The employee knows exactly what is expected from them. Unfortunately, I've only experienced this a few times due to my lack of experience in the work force. I can relate this back to when I was employee for my dads business because I moved up from a front desk employee to actually powder coating customers products. I had to go through another learning process but it was much easier and not as boring. I felt more responsibilities building up on my shoulders but I was able to cope with them. Once I graduate college I will hopefully get a great job I can stay with for the rest of my life.

Here are a few frames I powder coated while working for my dads business (JD's Powder Coating):

Gloss Purple Frame with Clear Coat

Shocker Green with a Clear Coat on the frame

Black Chrome Wheels

Gloss Red frame

All in all, work is something that takes time to process for many people. We go through different phases in our lives that form how we view work. We began thinking that we were going to become the best super heroes anyone would ever see to sitting in our office thirty years down the road. This is why it's sad to see that I'll be graduating college within a year. I never thought the day would come that I would have to start thinking about a job that I can successfully obtain. Even though I have only worked for two jobs, I know there are certain qualities that I've gained that I can apply to another job.