Business Consulting: Practice Consulting

Manager Discussion Guide

Objectives

The last segment of the Business Consulting Distance Learning Series is a time to
practice consulting. Participants pair themselves with others who are or who have
completed the training series and practice the skills based on a guide.

The result of this learning is a better understanding of how all the skills and tools of
proactive consulting role together to become a more effective client* interaction
process.

Your Expectations

As the participant’s manager, consider the following suggestions:

• Assure that the participant has chosen two others to join in the practice.
• Discuss the outcome of the practice once it is complete.
• Provide an opportunity for the participant to integrate his/her learning into daily
activities.

Discussion Points

1. Who did you choose as your practice partners and why?

2. Do you feel more confident applying these skills now that you’ve had the
practice?

3. Let’s discuss how you can integrate these skills and tools into your everyday
work.

* Client may be an internal client of the department or an external client of Convergys.

Revised 7/12/2006
Action Plan
Use the table below as a guide to create and formalize an action plan with your employee. Writing down and agreeing to
an action plan with your employee is a critical part of ensuring knowledge gained in this training is successfully and
meaningfully transitioned back to the workplace. Make sure that your action plan lists specific, relevant details on
responsibilities, timing and deadlines, project planning, etc. THE FOLLOWING ARE ONLY SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR 
DISCUSSION AND NOT MEANT TO BE AN ALL INCLUSIVE ACTION PLAN.

Development Goal Observable Behaviors Suggested Measurements to Action Plan

Supporting Goals Confirm Goal Attainment
1. Complete practice • Time set aside for • More confidence in applying
consulting with two practice skills and tools to job and
other people • Practice complete with client*
2. Define how the skills • Integration plan • Noticeable use of Business
and tools will be • Action plan that is Consulting tools and skills in
integrated into daily being followed daily work
activities
3. Continue to grow as a • Continued study of the • CSAT and other measures
business consultant client indicate improved
• Refining ways to build relationships with the client
rapport with client contacts
• Continued use of High-
gain Questions

* Client may be an internal client of the department or an external client of Convergys.

Revised 7/12/2006