Hiring a consultant can be a game-changer — if you’re truly ready for it. But most leaders jump in without realizing the internal gaps that hold them back from getting value. Worse, they treat consulting like a quick fix, then get frustrated when nothing changes.
If you want to avoid wasted time, money, and churn, here’s what nobody tells you before bringing in a consultant.
Top 5 Internal Gaps You Must Know Before You Hire
- Lack of Clarity on Your Core Bottlenecks
Too often, businesses want “help” but can’t clearly articulate their biggest operational or strategic challenges. Without clarity on what’s truly blocking growth, consultants can only apply generic solutions — and that rarely works. - Unrealistic Timelines and Expectations
Change takes time. If you expect overnight miracles, you’ll be disappointed. A consultant can guide and accelerate, but they aren’t magicians. Understanding the effort and realistic milestones upfront is crucial. - Unwillingness to Delegate or Let Go
If you’re still doing everything yourself and micromanaging every detail, consulting engagement will struggle. The best results come when leaders are willing to trust the process and delegate responsibility. - Disconnected Teams and Poor Communication
Consultants thrive in environments where key stakeholders share information openly and collaborate. If communication breakdowns are common or silos exist, internal alignment needs fixing before external help can be effective. - Undefined Success Metrics and Accountability
Without clear KPIs and ownership for outcomes, it’s impossible to measure progress or hold anyone accountable. You need baseline data and agreement on what success looks like.
Mindset Matters More Than Budget
Spending money on consulting isn’t enough. Your mindset — openness to change, honest self-assessment, and patience — determines if you’ll get a good return.
- Be open to feedback that challenges your assumptions.
- Be willing to answer tough questions about your processes and people.
- Have the patience to work through iterative improvements rather than quick fixes.
Consulting is a partnership, not a one-way street.
Red Flags: When NOT to Hire a Consultant
- You’re still trying to do everything yourself but want a “fix it” expert to do the work.
- You don’t have internal resources or time to support change initiatives.
- You’re vague about what success looks like or unwilling to share data.
- You’re resistant to feedback or blame external factors for internal issues.
If any of these ring true, focus first on getting internal clarity or restructuring before hiring help.
Self-Assess Your Readiness with the Fix Call Prep Sheet™
To help you avoid costly missteps, I created the Fix Call Prep Sheet™ — a straightforward tool that helps you diagnose your readiness for consulting. It prompts you to identify your bottlenecks, clarify expectations, and spot red flags before we even talk.
Using this sheet ensures our Fix Call is laser-focused and productive, saving you time and frustration.
Ready to Get Started?
If you recognize these gaps and are serious about change, book a Fix Call. Come prepared with your Fix Call Prep Sheet™ filled out, and we’ll dive right into diagnosing your unique challenges — no fluff, no overpromising, just practical, actionable insights.
