I prefer to work as a part-time member of my client's management team helping to develop and manage programmes that, in the main, can be implemented by the present management. This means that your people share authorship of the programmes making them more likely to be supportive of changes. Also, this approach drastically reduces the consulting cost. There are occasions, of course, when it is wiser for me to both develop and implement special programmes.

The first step is a face-to-face meeting with you and possibly other staff members to discuss your requirements and for us to decide if we feel comfortable at the prospect of working together. Often this initial meeting (no cost by the way) reveals enough information for me to submit a detailed proposal. If this is not the case then a brief on-site survey may be required. In either event I submit a detailed proposal describing my recommendations, methodology, costs and projected benefits. Most projects involve an initial analysis phase resulting in a detailed plan of what needs to be done, by whom and at what cost.

I usually continue to oversee the implementation of the programmes on a retainer basis once this phase has been completed and a plan of action agreed. A typical retainer arrangement calls for me to spend ½ - 1 day each week on your business plus being available 24/7 (at no additional charge) by phone and email, to discuss issues that may require my input.