a professional approach to management consulting requires values alignment, clarity of purpose, openness of communication and transparency of methods;
an engagement begins with an understanding of how the assignment fits with the larger purposes of the organization and the interests of its stakeholders;
the goals, objectives, and work products associated with each assignment must be clearly described and agreed upon at the outset;
a focus on people — management, staff, governing board members, clients and other stakeholders — is essential to every assignment; and
every project should enhance the capacity of the organization’s team to realize its vision and must not increase dependence on the consultant.