Soon we all have to become hybrid consultants

Traditional consulting has long been a cornerstone in corporate business development, but like everything else, this industry also needs innovation to keep pace with rapidly changing external world developments. It’s time to let go of hourly billing, endless analyses, and extensive PPTs that often lead to more confusion than clarity. If we do, something new and better can emerge.

Consultants who combine the best of sharp digital tools with the strengths of human advising – all with increased customer value in mind. Say hello to the consultant of the future – the hybrid consultant! This is the first in a series of blog posts about what it means, why it’s important, and how you can move towards becoming one.

In 2016, Joakim and Marie Andervin launched the book Leading Digital Transformation. Since then, we and our colleagues (including other consultants in the industry) have witnessed significant digital development across various sectors. Often, companies in these sectors are supported by consultants in various ways. Ironically, our own industry’s digital transformation has not kept the same pace.

Months of manual work

The consulting industry has struggled to break free from well-established patterns. This is evident, among other things, in the comprehensive analyses that require months of manual work, in the ‘black box’ solutions developed in secrecy and presented in complex 200-page PowerPoints, and in hourly billing models that create conflicting incentives between consultants and clients.

Time to redefine the consultant role

However, there is a way forward, and our company has decided to change this for some time. We’ve realized that to truly deliver value, we must redefine the consultant role. We are therefore saying goodbye to the traditional consultant role and are now moving towards becoming hybrid consultants instead. This change is not just an upgrade of tools and techniques – it’s a new philosophy that encompasses how we interact with clients, understand their needs and drivers, their role in the world, and work together to achieve common goals.

“Technology…frees up time for even more humanity”

Understanding the balance between technology and the human element

So, what does it mean to be a hybrid consultant? We will explore this in our blog series, where we share insights from our own transformation journey. We look at how technology can enhance our human capabilities and not just replace them.

For example, technology can contribute efficiency, objectivity, analyses, and new perspectives while freeing up time for even more humanity. A humanity that includes, among other things, the social and relational as well as the ability to understand contexts, be creative, and act ethically. Humanity that combines the rational and emotional in our work. If you look at the picture, it’s also about understanding the balance between technology and the human element and adapting this to needs and situations.

Through this series, we hope to inspire a new wave of consultants – those who are ready to embrace change, those who are curious about the potential of technology, and those who are deeply rooted in human values. We look forward to sharing our experiences and discoveries, and we invite you to join the discussion.

The consultants and consulting firms of the future

We are convinced that the combination of humans and technology is where the successful consultants and consulting firms of the future lie. In the next post, we will delve into the benefits that a hybrid consultant brings to both clients and consulting firms.

Until then, let’s start a dialogue. What changes do you see as necessary within the consulting industry? And how can the hybrid consultant’s approach benefit you and your organization?

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.