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When Should a Consultant Question Decisions?

Posted by Cliff on from the knowing-when-to-grow-a-backbone dept.

bay43270 asks: "Presumably, companies hire consultants because they need technical expertise. At some point (if not on a daily basis) a consultant is asked to do something that isn't in the best interest of the company (and therefore may not be in the best interest of the consultant in the long run). The consultant must ask 'do I just say "yes sir" and go to work, or do I try to explain things? If so, how hard do I push?' When should a good consultant question a decision, and how does the situation differ with contract programmers?"

8 of 436 comments (clear)

  1. Re:My suggstion by valkraider · · Score: 2, Funny

    Doesn't work. Usually they just buy you a cheap dinner, and stick you with the CEO's aging wife...

  2. Re:You're missing the point by applef00 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I disagree. You owe it to your reputation to see that the company employing your services is doing as well as it can. I realize that this may be a "goody-goody" type of attitude, but I believe in it. If they're paying for your advice, then it's your job to advise, despite any discomfort it may cause. There are, of course, good ways and bad ways to tell someone that the way they're doing something sucks. For example, "nice idea, retard" would be a bad way.

  3. You'd better know by TheSHAD0W · · Score: 3, Funny

    You've gotta know when to question.
    Know when to keep still.
    Know when to walk away.
    And know when to run...

    You'd better count your money
    With each and every paystub
    Cuz you'll have no chance to count it
    When the merger's done.

  4. Re:been there, a lot. by Soko · · Score: 3, Funny

    *Whimper*

    ...or could that be construed as being too...

    *Sits down and waits for "The Revenge of the Karma Police"*

    --
    "Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm." - Anonymous
  5. con + insult = consult by stonebeat.org · · Score: 3, Funny

    obligatory Dilbert quote: con + insult = consult consultant: Some who cons you and then insults you before leaving. :)

    --


    Consensus is good, but informed dictatorship is better
  6. Insert $1250 for the next three minutes by blair1q · · Score: 4, Funny

    I could tell you, but then I'd have to bill you.

  7. There's a fortune cookie for this! by dido · · Score: 2, Funny

    However, a fortune cookie from the BSD Games Fortune Cookie files also goes:

    The Consultant's Curse:

    When the customer has beaten upon you long enough, give him what he asks for, instead of what he needs. This is very strong medicine, and is normally only required once.

    --
    Qu'on me donne six lignes écrites de la main du plus honnête homme, j'y trouverai de quoi le faire pendre.
  8. Re:Im in this situation now.. by GNUman · · Score: 2, Funny

    This just made me recall a quote from a book I read a while ago:

    "What is the most effective Windows NT remote management tool?
    A car."
    - Network Intrusion Detection, An Analyst's Handbook
    2nd Edition, 2000
    Stephen Northcutt et al, page 147

    Don't mean to do some Windows-bashing, but I remember I was laughing out loud when I read that.