You're facing a power struggle with an external consultant. How can you maintain control in the C-suite?

In my experience, clearly defining roles and responsibilities is essential for productivity and a positive work environment. Setting boundaries and clear objectives from the start helps prevent misunderstandings. While staying open-minded is important, maintaining control of the conversation by confidently stating your points is crucial. In government roles, respect for the chain of command ensures everyone understands their roles and duties. When issues arise, referring back to the agreed-upon roles and responsibilities can effectively resolve conflicts and keep the team aligned.

Clarify Objectives ?? Clearly outline the specific goals and deliverables expected from the consultant. This helps in ensuring that both parties are aligned on what success looks like. Assign Clear Responsibilities ?? Define and document the roles and responsibilities of both your team and the consultant. This prevents overlap and ensures accountability. Establish Communication Protocols ?? Set up regular check-ins and reporting structures to monitor progress and address issues promptly. This keeps the consultant's activities aligned with the company’s needs.

Cultivate Relationships ?? – Forge strong connections with key stakeholders and colleagues to garner support and create a united front. Communicate Clearly ??? – Ensure your vision and objectives are well-articulated and understood to align efforts and reduce potential conflicts. Demonstrate Value ?? – Showcase the tangible benefits of your strategy and decisions to reinforce your position and build credibility within the team.

Set Clear Objectives ??: Clearly define the goals and expectations from the outset to ensure everyone is aligned and knows what success looks like. Document Agreements ??: Keep written records of decisions and commitments to avoid misunderstandings and to provide a reference point if disagreements arise. Assert Your Authority ??: Be confident in your role and responsibilities; make it clear that while their input is valued, final decisions rest with the C-suite.

Set Clear Expectations ??: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and deliverables from the outset to avoid ambiguity and ensure everyone understands their commitments. Monitor Progress Regularly ??: Implement regular check-ins and performance reviews to track progress and address any issues promptly before they escalate. Enforce Consequences Consistently ??: Establish a system for addressing non-compliance or underperformance, ensuring that consequences are fair but firm to maintain accountability.