You’re looking to advance your career in consulting. How can you develop the leadership skills you need?

Consulting is not an easy job, it’s very demanding and requires a lot will power. It’s a constantly changing and highly demanding environment. You have to love it because otherwise consulting can drive you mad with constant changes and challenges. Consulting is not for everyone but when you are hooked and you enjoy it, you will experience benefit of seeing in many organisations without being part of them. This give you ability to compare and see bigger picture how the economy machine really works. Consulting is in intense competition and it’s more like professional sport. You will be competing with many organisations but you will have often great respect for them. There is however one thing you must remember - be life long learner.

Once you have identified your strengths and gaps, develop a plan to leverage and enhance your strengths while proactively addressing your gaps. This could involve learning opportunities, training programs, seeking mentorship, or taking on new challenges that allow you to develop and refine the skills you need. Remember, assessing your strengths and gaps is a continuous process, and it is important to regularly reassess and adapt your approach as you grow personally and professionally. By focusing on both your strengths and gaps, you can develop a well-rounded skill set that positions you for success in your chosen career.

Even if you can't access apps and people, read books and articles. The easiest way is to search in Google to find the resources you need and start learning. You know better what skills you lack and what abilities you need to attain to succeed. Ask for feedback, challenge yourself by trying whatever you are learning, and put it to use.

To develop the leadership skills necessary for a career in consulting, here are some steps you can take: Seek leadership opportunities: Look for opportunities to lead projects, teams, or initiatives within your current job or volunteer work. This will allow you to practice and refine your leadership skills in a real-world setting. Take on additional responsibilities: Take the initiative to expand your responsibilities beyond your current role. This can include taking on challenging assignments, participating in cross-functional teams, or volunteering for leadership development programs within your organization.

Seek mentorship: Find a mentor within the consulting field who can provide guidance and advice on developing your leadership skills. Learn from their experience and seek their insights on effective leadership practices. Continuous learning: Develop a habit of continuous learning by staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and leadership theories. Attend conferences, workshops, or webinars related to leadership development and consulting.

Don't learn anything from the hard way. The best way of learning is experiencing, but it's also the most challenging way to learn it! You don't have to learn it like that. There are thousands of mentors and coaches out there who are ready to teach you anything related to your career. Of course, you can't get something for nothing, and anything you are willing to attain has a price.

Expand your knowledge base: Increase your understanding of various industries, business strategies, and problem-solving techniques. Developing a broader knowledge base will enhance your credibility as a consultant and enable you to provide better leadership and guidance to clients. Develop communication skills: Effective communication is a crucial aspect of leadership. Focus on improving your written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills, active listening, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Lead by example: Be a role model for others by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. Practice ethical decision-making and inspire trust and respect among your colleagues and clients. Seek feedback and reflect: Actively seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and clients on your leadership style and areas for improvement. Regularly reflect on your experiences and identify opportunities for growth. Remember, leadership skills are developed through a combination of experience, self-reflection, and focused effort. By actively seeking leadership opportunities, continuously learning, and refining your skills, you can enhance your effectiveness as a leader in the consulting world and advance your career.

Leadership skills are attainable, and you can learn them from anyone who has something to say (by showing success in whatever they have done and their results- results never lie) and knows that you can improve these skills by any method that is more prepared for you. Sometimes, people are more comfortable attending seminars, and some others prefer books and articles. That's on you to choose from the various methods and mentors.