Overview
Many professional services firms aspire to be top-tier advisory and consulting firms. Key to this endeavour is a relentless focus on providing excellent service to clients and finding innovative solutions to traditional problems. There is an opportunity for organisations and their professionals to emulate the success of larger consulting firms, by acquiring, practising, developing and refining the core consulting skills and behaviours the leading firms have used successfully for years. Participants can reach their potential by learning the core consulting tools and frameworks, whilst ensuring the firm continues to achieve its strategic ambitions of being a Trusted Advisor and ‘go-to’ partner for their clients.
During the programme, participants will acquire a common language and critical thinking approach that can be used in many aspects of their role as an advisor or consultant.
Critically, the consulting tools, concepts and behaviours learned on the programme are driven by, and will reinforce, the core values and competencies of any professional services firm.
On this highly interactive and challenging programme, participants will learn and apply best-practice core consulting methodologies and behaviours in three areas: the core consulting critical thinking process, communicating with impact using business storytelling and expanding client opportunities as part of becoming an effective ambassador for the firm.
The Consulting Skills Programme is based on a series of modules developed over 30 years of working with professional services firms and in-house consulting teams. These cover the full range of learning and development requirements from consultancy fundamentals through to foundation, intermediate and advanced consulting skills. Participants will learn to work more effectively with clients, successfully diagnose problems, and improve their personal effectiveness in teamwork and creative thinking. Above all, they learn how to apply the consulting process in line with their organisation’s culture and values.
Ahead of each programme we work closely with client representatives and stakeholders, to tailor content to the specific needs of the organisation. This is achieved through Openside’s, Aligning Development with Strategy, client engagement process.
The Programme’s modular content is tailored as appropriate for: graduates, new entrants, Analysts, Consultants, Managers, Senior Managers, Principal, Director, Vice President and Partner level.
What some of our alumni have to say:
“We have seen something different; now we understand the big picture.”
“I will use the structure to identify the best way to create a value proposition.”
“Very well structured and perfectly aligned with our professional skills”
“The tutors were able to engage us during the entire duration of the course”
“Very interesting and interactive course; the tutors have certainly given added value with their experience in a business context.”
“It was a very engaging academy, both for the topics covered and for the multiple sessions in which we were all involved. Theoretical concepts have always been put into practice.”
- To create a common language and approach at all levels of the firm, consolidating knowledge and skills to encourage and coach firmwide adoption
- To develop complementary skills for individual advisors and consultants to improve client interactions and buy-in when representing the firm
- To improve individual confidence and personal growth
“Great intensive course to work in teams to solve a business case using the methodologies and tools that we have been taught before.”
– Strategy Consulting
Managing Consultant
Graduate, New Entrant, Analyst, Consultant, Manager, Senior Manager, Principal, VP, Director, Partner
- e-Learning
- Face-to-face
- Virtual
- Webinar
- What do I need to do to identify my client and define their goals?
- How do I prepare for a serious client conversation?
- When presenting to a client, how can I make sure my message lands?
- How do we approach issues with more structure?
Learning impact
During the programme, participants learn to:
- Apply structured consulting problem-solving to diagnose client issues and translate analysis into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Focus effort where it matters most, avoiding scope creep and unnecessary analysis while maintaining pace and quality.
- Communicate insights with clarity and impact, building persuasive storylines and executive-level messaging.
- Manage stakeholders and expectations effectively, aligning priorities and navigating competing interests.
- Lead and collaborate more effectively in consulting teams, applying the consulting process in line with the firm’s culture and values.
If you would like to find out how the Consulting Skills Programme can help keep your people in a rapidly changing environment for consultancy.
Programme Stats
4.6 /5
Participants consistently rated Facilitator Effectiveness 4.6 out of 5*
*Based on feedback from 2,216 participants over a 5-year period.
11,901
Alumni have graduated from our Consulting Skills Development programme
Vienna performance+
Attendees achieved a 41% overall performance improvement for 3 cohorts of Managers on a bespoke Consulting Skills programme. The highest skill improvements were in formulating recommendations, making decisions, and structuring comms. Additionally, Analysts and Consultants experienced a 45% improvement in stakeholder analysis
Hear from a Programme Leader
“Consulting professionals must master the skills to move from a problem through to an effective solution or recommendation for a client. What is needed is a process which is both effective and efficient, so that optimal results are achieved for both the client and the firm. Openside teaches a highly-rated programme to facilitate the acquisition of these consulting skills.” – Debbie Dudley, Director
Case Studies
“Very practical and interesting. I work as Knowledge Manager and my clients are internal, but all the methods and tips I have learned can be used in a wide range of situations.”
– Management Consulting
Knowledge Manager
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