Core Consulting Skills

* Leading through Core Consult ing

Skills Cer tification (CCSC)

Program Overview

The Meaning and Benefits of Certification

The AIMC’s Core Consult ing Skills Cert ificat ion (CCSC) indicates that the cer tified

individual has learned the core skills necessary to be an effective contr ibutor in a var iety

of consult ing assignments, including change leadership, project/ program management

and process improvement.

The cer tification program also includes membership in the AIMC, which provides access

to an extensive knowledge base of best pract ices, a network of consult ing professionals

around the wor ld and per iodic skill-building and knowledge shar ing events – including

workshops, chapter meetings and conference calls on emerging issues and key areas of

interest.

Program Overview

This Cer tification Program has been designed by the AIMC in collaboration with

competency and learning experts from the St. Char les Consult ing Group to provide the

basic or core skills most needed to be an effect ive internal consultant.

The target audience includes, but is not limited to, individuals who ar e relat ively new to

internal consult ing roles or careers, as well as individuals who have not received much

formal training on consult ing competencies and are looking for an oppor tunity to build

capability.

The Program also will be of great help to external consultants who want to work more

effectively with internal consultants (ICs). The major ity of the IC community views

externals as strategic par tners with whom they are looking to collaborate to provide

additional resources or provide supplemental exper t ise to effect ively execute and fur ther

develop their pract ices.

In addit ion, employees in a wide var iety of suppor t functions in both pr ivate and public

sector organizations who have internal client inter face responsibilit ies can benefit greatly

by acquir ing core consult ing skills. These professionals, often character ized as internal

consultants by role but not by t it le, work in the following areas:

Human Resources and Training

Process Improvement and Lean/ Six Sigma

Business and Operations Planning

Supply Chain Management

Technology and IT

Per formance Measurement and Management

Project and Program Management

Quality Management

Financial Services, Audit ing and Risk Management

Certification Program Curriculum

Key Components

1 . Self-paced, e-Learning Modules t ied to each core competency area

2 . W hite papers, professional journal ar t icles, and other r eference mater ials

to supplement the learning modules

3 . A comprehensive exam taken upon completion of all course mater ial to

assess learning gains

Certification Modules

Module 1 : Client Service Focus

Accurately respond to client ’s questions, inquir ies or requests in a service situation.

Persists in providing the highest quality/ services, products, and finding ways to better

meet client needs, including improving systems that affect client sat isfact ion; keeps client

focus as the dr iver of planning and implementation. Goes out of the way to communicate

with clients in ways that meet their needs, while also earning their trust and respect.

Takes personal responsibility for correcting client service problems promptly and non-

defensively to a point where the client is sat isfied.

Module 2 : Professional Impact

Takes act ions that are consistent and aligned with company values and beliefs.

Demonstrates high standards for behavior of self and project team members.

Demonstrates credibility and self-confidence in areas of responsibility. Stands behind

decisions, whether r ight or wrong, and takes responsibility. Recognizes when and when

not to discuss confidential information with employees or clients; can be trusted with

confidential or sensit ive information. Viewed as trusted business advisor and “go to”

person for area of responsibility.

Module 3 : Change Management

Proactively demonstrates to clients the impact/ people r isks of organizational change and

builds and manages plans for reducing this r isk. Effectively employs a change

management methodology and toolset. Continually raises client ’s level of awareness as

to people r isk and need for mit igat ing. W or ks with client to build sponsorship of change

effor ts. Demonstrates own flexibility and adaptability in dr iving change to improve project

and business results. Effect ively manages change throughout the project lifecycle – from

init ial stakeholder analysis through monitor ing project results.

Module 4 : Business Acumen

Has a strong understanding about how the business works and assesses trends, issues

and challenges which impact on the organization’s business environment and builds this

into project planning. Applies knowledge of key financial indicators/ measures to evaluate

alternative courses of act ions and selects optimal solutions to achieve results.

Possesses strong analyt ical skills and an ability to interpret complex data in meaningful

and relevant ways. Identifies new information requirements in order to suppor t business

needs. Applies knowledge of key business measurements to make strategic decisions.

Module 5 : Project Management

Administers project budgets that meet cost and resource expect ations. Manages

complex and/ or competing pr ior it ies. Effect ively meets commitments in an accurate and

t imely manner. Plans and organizes tasks and generates schedules for projects/

processes. Ties work plans to allocated funds. Identifies and secures r esources for

projects. Monitors progress through detailed work plans, and status reports.

Troubleshoots simple problems and takes steps to notify cor rect people in the event of

schedule slippage, unavailable resources, and ensures successful implementation.

Module 6 : Business Process Optimization

Maintains and enhances standards of quality by focusing on the continuous improvement

and optimization o processes to achieve project and business object ives. Establishes and

communicates clear indicators of pr ocess improvement. Leads clients to understand

how technology can help process per formance. Utilizes var ious process improvement

methods and tools. Demonstrates the ability to translate data into meaningful

recommendations. Analyzes information to accurately define the cost of quality and

process inefficiencies.

Module 7 : Management Consulting Skills

Accurately determines the root causes of var ious organizational performance issues and

par tners with the client to determine the appropr iate intervention strategy. Continually

demonstrates the value/ ROI of the consulting work provided to the client. Effect ively

builds a business case when introducing recommendations or solut ions. Continually

monitors the client ’s threshold for acceptance of recommendations and modifies

approach as required.

Module 8 : Coaching

Provides appropr iate advice, feedback, and development resources to improve the

effectiveness of individuals and teams. Provides honest, behavioral feedback to

customers about per formance development opportunit ies and problems. Tailors

development suggestions (e.g., training, learning oppor tunities, key exper iences) to fit

individual, team and organizational needs. Selects approaches that will be most likely to

convince and gain the suppor t of the audience.

About AIMC (www.aimc.org; info@aimc.org) The Associat ion for Internal Management Consultants (AIMC) helps build your value as a

corporate management consultant. Membership gives you access to numerous tools and

techniques, including our Consult ing Operations Model and Performance Measurement

Scorecard to effect ively posit ion yourself in your corporat ion. The associat ion also

provides valuable insights regarding how to effect ively utilize external consult ing

capabilit ies and optimize the organization's overall consulting spend.

About St. Charles Consulting Group (www.stccg.com) Founded in 2002 St. Char les Consult ing Group is rooted in a long, r ich tradit ion of

excellence and unparalleled commitment to client service. St. Char les Consult ing is well

known for innovative solut ions that address significant client issues and dr ive successful

business results. W ith offices in St. Char les, Illinois, Dallas, Texas, Madison, W isconsin

and Phoenix, Ar izona, St. Char les Consulting is an organization dedicated to helping

clients prepare their people to successfully meet the demands of the competit ive

business wor ld of today.

Core Management Consulting Skills

Certification Program

Agenda

•Introductions/Background

•Review AIMC Competency Model

•Overview of Core Consulting Skills

Pilot Program and Next Steps

•Q&A

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Background

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Association of Internal Management Consultants• International association representing individual and organizations who provide internal

consulting services to their clients

• AIMC’s membership includes professionals from a wide range of organizational practice areas

including, but not limited to:

•Organizational Effectiveness and Development

•Process Improvement

•Six Sigma and Quality Management

•Strategic Planning/Performance Measurement

St. Charles Consulting Group• World-class training and talent development organization comprised of a talented team of

seasoned professionals that design, develop and deliver effective and innovative

performance improvement interventions for their clients.

• Their clients represent over 100 organizations, spanning 20+ industries and global markets.

• Knowledge of MEP organization and mission/Presented at the Center Best Practices

Conference in Dallas

• Co-developed the Competency Model for Effective Internal Management Consultants and

On-line Competency Benchmarking Tool with the AIMC

•Project Management and Implementation

•Leading Change/Change Management

•Leadership/Management Development

•Organizational Learning/Training

CHANGE

MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS

ACUMEN

CLIENT SERVICE

FOCUS

PROJECT

MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT

CONSULTING

SKILLS

PROFESSIONAL

IMPACT

BUSINESS

PROCESS

OPTIMIZATION

COACHING

AIMC Competency Model

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© Association of Internal Management Consultants

AIMC Competency Model / Certification Program Evolution

• In 2013, AIMC leaders and membership determined the

desire for a Consulting Skills Certification Program to align

with the AIMC Competency Model

• In 2014, a preliminary concept for the AIMC Core Consulting

Skills Certification (CSC) Program was presented to AIMC

leaders and members at their annual conference and in

board meetings. Preference for self-paced/eLearning

format expressed and agreed upon.

• In 2015 and 2016, curriculum and format for program

developed

• In September of 2016, launch of Core Consulting Skills

Certification Pilot Program

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AIMC CCSC Program Contents

The Core Consulting Skills Certification Program consists of the

following:

• Three to four, self-paced, e-Learning Modules mapped to each of the eight

AIMC core competency areas:

- Business Acumen

- Business Process Optimization

- Change Management

- Client Service Focus

- Coaching

- Management Consulting

- Professional Impact

- Project Management

• White papers, professional journal articles, book chapters (Internal

Consulting Excellence (ICE), and other reference materials to supplement

the learning modules and enhance competency development.

• A comprehensive exam taken upon completion of all learning modules.

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Sample eLearning Module/Essential:

Day-to-Day Management of a Planned Change

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“ESSENTIAL”

https://learning.na.crossknowledge.com/candidat/pr

oduct_sheet.php?trainingcontent_id=56731&registr

ation_id=9249&code=OJMH687&locale=en-US

eLEARNING MODULE

Other Capability Building/Certification Inputs

AIMC Knowledgebase

Internal Consulting Excellence

https://aimc.org/members-only/

Registration

REGISTRATION: www.mfgfoundation.com/news

FEES: Members $750 / Non-Members $1250

CAPACITY: 25 Consultants

Next Steps/Projected Timeline*

•Announcement to MEP Organization to Solicit Interest in Core

Consulting Skills Certification Pilot Program (May 2016)

•Webinar Overview of the Pilot Program to Membership (June 2016)

•Pilot Program Sign Ups – First Come Basis with Capped Enrollment

(June/July/August 2016)

•Kickoff for Pilot Program Participants/Program Commences

(September 2016)

•Curriculum Completed and Certification Awarded (December 2016)

•Pilot Evaluation (December 2016)

* Dates are estimates and will be adjusted depending upon when the required class size is obtained

for pilot and software /website modifications completed.

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