With over 14 years of consulting experience leading Gate One’s Experience Transformation practice, David Forde explores the value of the Chartered Management Consultant accreditation. He recounts his journey to obtaining the award, and explains how it can benefit both consultants and clients.
This interview was originally conducted with the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) and was first published on Consultancy.uk.
My path to becoming a Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) was one that was helping serve different purposes. As the SME contact for the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) at Gate One, I recognised a fantastic opportunity to leverage the ChMC accreditation for our consultants’ growth and our firm’s overall success.
However, I also felt a responsibility to understand the program well before advocating for it. This meant embarking on the ChMC accreditation journey myself. It was a valuable experience that highlighted the program’s strengths, particularly for SME consultancies like ours.
Becoming a Better Consultant
The ChMC framework provided a clear structure for my professional development. It outlined the core competencies and behaviours expected of a successful consultant. This was not just about acknowledging my existing skills but also identifying areas for improvement. It helped me define a roadmap for continuous learning and development, not just for myself but also for the consultants at Gate One.
At the heart of successful client engagements lies a strong understanding of the client’s needs and challenges. The ChMC framework emphasises the importance of effective communication, relationship building and problem-solving skills. These are all crucial for navigating complex stakeholder environments and delivering impactful solutions for clients.
The ChMC designation acts as a mark of quality, assuring clients that they’re working with consultants who possess the necessary skills and adhere to industry best practices. While client demand for ChMC accreditation may not be widespread yet, it is a trend that is likely to gain momentum in the coming years. By proactively adopting this standard, Gate One is futureproofing its services and ensuring we remain at the forefront of the consulting industry.
Beyond Technical Expertise
While industry expertise is vital, it is only one piece of the puzzle. The ChMC accreditation recognises the importance of well-rounded consultants who can excel in various situations. Critical thinking, problem-solving, stakeholder management and adaptability are all essential skills that enable consultants to thrive in diverse client environments, even when faced with unfamiliar challenges.
In smaller consultancies, consultants often wear multiple hats and may encounter projects outside their specific area of expertise. The ChMC framework equips them with a strong foundation of core skills and behaviours that allow them to adapt and deliver exceptional results.
Through becoming the first ChMC at Gate One, I aimed to demonstrate the value of the program and encourage others to follow suit. It would not be fair to expect my colleagues to pursue something I had not experienced myself.
I actively support other consultants going through the accreditation process by sharing my experiences and providing guidance which fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development within Gate One.
The Consulting Profession Deserves a Benchmark
For far too long, the consulting industry has lacked a standardised method for credentialing professionals. The ChMC program fills this gap by providing a framework for assessing and acknowledging the core skills and behaviours that distinguish truly effective consultants.
The ChMC designation goes beyond technical expertise – it signifies a commitment to ethical practices, client service and professional excellence. This benefits the consulting profession and enables clients to choose their consulting partners with more confidence and knowledge.
My experience with the ChMC program has been overwhelmingly positive. It has not only enhanced my own consulting skills but has also equipped me to guide and support the professional development of my colleagues at Gate One.
The ChMC designation offers a valuable roadmap for both individual consultants and consultancies, ensuring we deliver the highest quality service to our clients and remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving consulting landscape.
Looking Ahead
The path to ChMC accreditation is not always easy but the rewards are significant. It is an ongoing journey of learning and development, pushing me to become a better consultant and leader. This continuous improvement mindset is what I strive to instil within Gate One’s consulting team. As more consultants at our firm achieve ChMC status, we will be even better equipped to deliver exceptional client service and navigate the ever-evolving consulting landscape.
For leaders within consultancies, particularly smaller firms, I strongly encourage you to explore ChMC accreditation. It is not just about individual accreditation; it is about fostering a culture of excellence within your organisation. The ChMC framework provides a valuable roadmap for professional development, ensuring your consultants possess the necessary skills and behaviours to thrive in today’s demanding business environment.
By embracing the ChMC program, you can empower your consultants, enhance your service offerings and future-proof your firm’s success.
