Adapted from “Field Guide to Consulting and Organizational Development” – to obtain the entire book, select “Publications” at http://www.authenticityconsulting.com

Establish the Project Team
At this point, it will be useful to form a project team. The team members can be an invaluable asset to you. They will act as a liaison between the project and the rest of your client’s organization.

“Job Description” for the Project Team
The “job description” for the team might be to work with you to: 1. Customize plans and activities during upcoming phases in the consulting cycle. Team members could give you feedback to ensure that project activities suit the nature and needs of your client’s organization. Team members often know more about the organization’s culture and how to work within that culture. Review various drafted results from the consulting process. For example, team members can help develop and review plans for data collection, collect and analyze that data, generate preliminary recommendations and conduct presentations. Monitor progress of the project. Team members should know the project plans and be aware of the implementation status. Members can help, for example, by modifying plans and/or activities to get back on schedule or by changing schedules. Sustain momentum throughout the planning process. Team members can show enthusiasm and support for the project. Other members of your client’s organization can be inspired if they see team members really believing in the project. Answer various questions from you during the project. There will be times when you do not understand various terms and practices within the client organization. Team members can explain what is happening, any effects on the project, and suggest how the project might be modified.

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Who Should Be on the Project Team?
The team should include five to eight highly committed individuals. That size often seems to provide the most appropriate range of energy,