CEO & Consultant Relationships: Who Owns What?

Lany and Susan dive into the sometimes murky waters of consultant-client relationships. Drawing from years of experience sitting on every side of the boardroom table, they tackle the age-old question: "Who is responsible for doing the tasks at hand?"

Let's face it—consultants don't come with magic wands, and CEOs don't get to toss the keys and walk away. Whether you've ever wondered "Why isn't this working?" or "I paid a consultant, so why isn't everything fixed?" this episode cuts through the confusion with practical advice on setting boundaries, managing expectations, and creating successful partnerships.

Susan and Lany share real-world stories about scope creep, communication breakdowns, and the emotional rollercoaster that can derail even the best-intentioned business relationships. They also offer straightforward tips for both sides to keep things running smoothly, from clear contracts to honest conversations about decision-making authority.

Tune in for a no-nonsense discussion about what makes consultant-CEO partnerships work, and what doesn't!

 

Key Points from the Episode

1. Clear Roles and Responsibilities: CEOs and consultants must understand who owns what in the relationship. Consultants provide expertise and guidance, but CEOs remain the ultimate decision-makers.
2. Communication is Critical: Most problems in consultant-client relationships stem from poor communication or unclear expectations.
3. Consultants' Role: Consultants bring fresh perspectives, specialized expertise, and assessment capabilities but aren't responsible for the final decisions or outcomes.
4. CEO Authority: Business owners need to maintain their decision-making power and not abdicate responsibility to consultants.
5. Documentation and Contracts: Clear contracts and documentation help prevent scope creep and establish expectations for both parties.
6. Implementation Shared Effort: Even after a consultant provides recommendations, implementation requires effort from both parties.
7. Knowing When to Part Ways: Sometimes the relationship isn't a good fit, and both parties should know how to amicably end the engagement.