Beyond Expertise: Redefining Consulting

The following article was provided to Consulting magazine by guest contributors Daniel Albright and Niraj Singhal of NTT Data Services.

“Are you really a consultant?  Given the dilution of the term ‘consult’, professional services must provide more value than just domain expertise. The value of consultants must evolve to more outcome-based models. Successful firms are focusing on collaboration, innovation and outcome-orientation for long term value maximization.” -Daniel Albright & Niraj Singhal

Across industries and across continents, digital transformation is sweeping through nearly every aspect of society, and organizations of all kinds are eager to adapt. In many cases, companies enlist help from outside consultants to help them assess their technology needs and plan for a swift and successful transition. But just as digital innovation has disrupted businesses in recent years, the role of the consultants they depend on is changing as well. Under pressure to deliver convincing returns on investments, clients are demanding that consultants provide more than impressive resumés and elaborate presentations – they want actual, measurable results. And – as the pandemic lingers and business results hang in the balance – they want them fast!