Last updated on Apr 19, 2024

What do you do if your IT consultant's performance metrics are falling short?

When you hire an IT consultant, you expect top-notch performance and solutions that align with your business objectives. However, there may come a time when your IT consultant's performance metrics start to dip. This can be concerning, especially when your business relies heavily on technology for its operations and strategic initiatives. The key is not to panic but to take a structured approach to understand the reasons behind the underperformance and work towards a solution that benefits both your organization and the consultant.

1 Assess Metrics

To address underperformance, first, you need to accurately assess which performance metrics are falling short. This involves reviewing the key performance indicators (KPIs) that were agreed upon at the start of the consultancy. These could be project deadlines, quality standards, system uptimes, or other relevant metrics. By pinpointing the specific areas where the consultant is not meeting expectations, you can have a focused discussion and identify the root causes of the issues.

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Valeriana Colón, Ph.D.

Learning Scientist | Future-proofing orgs with IT process innovation
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In my experience, when a consultant's performance metrics are falling short, it's important to first assess the metrics themselves. For example, if a consultant is consistently missing targets, it might be useful to review whether those targets are realistic or if they align well with the actual demands and outcomes expected from their role. I've found it helpful to have a detailed discussion with the consultant to understand their perspective and challenges. A common mistake is to immediately conclude inefficiency without considering external factors or unrealistic expectations. By reassessing both the metrics and the conditions under which they are evaluated, you can ensure a fair and effective performance review process.

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2 Open Dialogue

Once you've identified the underperforming metrics, initiate an open and honest dialogue with your IT consultant. Communication is critical in these scenarios. Discuss your concerns and the impact of their performance on your business operations. Allow the consultant to provide their perspective as well, as there may be external factors or internal challenges affecting their work. This two-way conversation can lead to mutual understanding and set the stage for improvement.

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Myron (Mike) Palm

Change Leader, Management Engineer
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Work with the consultant to identify and understand the causes of the poor performance. Assure they understand the consequences of poor performance. Then have the consultant identify corrective measures including where you might help. Have them put completion dates on each measure, documenting the plan. Monitor the plan applying appropriate consequences where slippage occurs.

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Jennifer Ryan Galantowicz

Business Development Manager, TDK Technologies • Custom Software Development • Capacity Teams • Deliverable-based Solutions • IT Experience Delivering Business Results
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Contact Service Delivery. Reach out to the firm's service delivery department and explain the situation. They will have the expertise and resources to investigate the situation, mediate communication with the consultant, and find solutions to get your project back on track. They can also explore alternative solutions if necessary, such as assigning a different consultant or team member to the project.

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3 Set Goals

After discussing the performance issues, work together with your IT consultant to set realistic and achievable goals for improvement. These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By setting clear expectations, you create a roadmap for your consultant to follow, which can help them focus their efforts and resources on meeting the agreed-upon targets.

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4 Monitor Progress

Implementing a monitoring system is essential to ensure that the IT consultant's performance improves over time. This could involve regular check-ins, progress reports, or using project management tools that track the completion of tasks against the set goals. Monitoring progress not only keeps the consultant accountable but also allows for timely interventions if there are any signs of continued underperformance.

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5 Provide Support

Sometimes, underperformance can be due to a lack of resources or support. Ensure that your IT consultant has access to the necessary tools, information, and assistance they need to perform their job effectively. This could mean investing in new technologies, providing additional training, or reallocating internal resources to assist with the consultant's projects. Supportive actions demonstrate your commitment to their success and the partnership.

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Jennifer Ryan Galantowicz

Business Development Manager, TDK Technologies • Custom Software Development • Capacity Teams • Deliverable-based Solutions • IT Experience Delivering Business Results
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Work in collaboration with the firm's Service Delivery department. Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and identify any potential roadblocks early on.

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6 Adjust Strategy

If, despite all efforts, performance does not improve, it may be necessary to adjust your strategy. This could involve redefining the scope of work, considering alternative solutions, or in some cases, parting ways with the consultant. It's crucial to have a contingency plan in place to minimize disruption to your business operations. Always prioritize what's best for your organization while maintaining professional relationships.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jennifer Ryan Galantowicz

Business Development Manager, TDK Technologies • Custom Software Development • Capacity Teams • Deliverable-based Solutions • IT Experience Delivering Business Results
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Your IT consulting firm is your partner. By leveraging your firm's service delivery department, you can ensure a more objective and structured approach to addressing the consultant's performance and reach a successful resolution. We want the partnership, your project and team, to be successful!

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What do you do if your IT consultant's performance metrics are falling short?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Metrics

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Goals

4 Monitor Progress

5 Provide Support

6 Adjust Strategy

7 Here’s what else to consider

IT Consulting

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What do you do if your IT consultant's performance metrics are falling short?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Metrics

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Goals

4 Monitor Progress

5 Provide Support

6 Adjust Strategy

7 Here’s what else to consider

IT Consulting

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