Hybrid Delivery Model

Traditional consulting works on a face-to-face model, with consultants working at the client’s offices. While this is useful when collecting data, and when large teams need to work together, it is not needed when teams are small and interaction is very one-to-one. In such a situation, Hybrid Consulting – with a mix of onsite and offsite work – is a very feasible option, providing the same quality of services at a far more economical price.

This model uses a mix of communication tools, depending on the intensity of interaction needed. The figure below outlines the main ones and when they are used.

I choose the tool/channel as per (a) the nature of an engagement (strategic and ambiguous objectives require high intensity interactions while more tactical assignments can use lower levels), (b) logistical concerns – scattered teams can better phone in to tele-conferences; or connectivity issues in different places might mean that video conferencing is not an option for everybody, and (c) the culture of a client – a very hierarchical organization might work better with the video conferences supplemented with detailed email messages.

All these channels usually get used during an engagement, with high-intensity modes being used to start with, and as people get comfortable with working together, a shift to less intensive modes.

Some of the aspects that we will special attention to when putting together a hybrid consulting assignment are listed below:

• Target output – Objectives and scope finalization
• Assignment Governance – sponsorship, oversight, permissions, quality reviews, monitoring and reporting processes
• Detailed program plans – timelines, deliverables, resources, responsibilities, accountabilities
• Communication plans – audiences, sponsorships, expectation setting, team introductions
• Technical methodology – information needs, analysis required, output, quality assurance
• Logistics – Workshop scheduling, secretarial help, conferencing tools

Reach out to me if you want to know more about my consulting services and how I will use a hybrid consulting model to provide you with a high-quality yet economical consulting output >> Click here.