Knowledge, skills and personality of the effective business consultant

Purpose – The purpose of this paper to describe the effective business consultant's most desirable characteristics. Design/methodology/approach – Development of propositions based on a review of the literature, anecdotal reports and the experience of the authors. Findings – The effective business consultant should possess functional knowledge as well as knowledge of an industry, communication and analytical skills, creativity, strategic and tactical leadership abilities, and a set of personality traits that includes emotional stability, intellect, integrity and openness and agreeableness. Practical implications – HR departments and training units in consulting firms may use the profile of the effective consultant as a tool in their selection and training procedures, as well as in matching consultants with clients. Consulting services clients may use the profile of the effective consultant to identify effective consulting service providers. Consultants may use the recommendations as a source for individual growth. Universities and business schools may use the study to improve training of future consultants. Originality/value – The paper sets a research agenda for the study of the effective business consultant's characteristics.