Management Programs

To perform successfully as internal consultants, human resource professionals must progress beyond merely understanding the consulting process and actually begin to apply this knowledge to projects. These projects could span a range of possibilities including: working with internal clients; addressing business-related issues, problems, challenges, initiatives, and programs related to organizational strategy; business development; and departmental efficiency.

In this workshop, the seven stages of internal consulting are put into action through a focus on organizational strategy, client needs, project planning, data gathering/analysis, and developing and presenting plans for moving forward with project goals and objectives. You will learn to:

• Build a framework for developing a project definition
• Develop a client-service focus
• Demonstrate the keys to building credibility
• Examine the dynamics of data gathering/analysis
• Present plans for working on project goals and objectives

Key Topics

• Exploring the strategic context of internal consulting
• Understanding client needs
• Developing project definitions
• Drafting the project plan and developing a timeline
• Anticipating client questions about the project plan
• Interacting effectively with your internal clients
• Securing client commitment

Special Features

Frame a project plan around a real client issue that you bring to the workshop. Present your issue, develop the project definition, and engage in dialogue with peers about their consulting projects. Leave with a set of outlines, checklists, and guidelines to assist you in conducting internal consulting projects.

Who Will Benefit

HR professionals at the first or second level of management

Prerequisite

The Foundations of Internal Consulting Skills or at least one year of professional-level experience functioning as a full-time HR internal consultant.

Participants who want to request a waiver of this requirement may contact Gwyneth Dobson at gld4@cornell.edu.
Please note, however, that this prerequisite cannot be waived for participants who wish to earn the Internal Consulting Skills for HR Professionals Certificate.

Instructors

Thomas Horvath, J. Kirk Menard, Robert K. Prescott

Your workshop will be led by one of these instructors.