external consulting community of practice

External Consulting Community of Practice – Guiding Principles

• We actively engage in supporting group contributions and collaboration, both in participation at meetings and responding to other initiatives.

• We provide supportive, honest responses to discussion with members.

• We look for ways to validate and support one another in our consulting efforts. 

• Consultants of all experience levels and diverse backgrounds are invited to attend and participate.

• Members are expected to look for positive contributions and build on one another’s ideas.

• Confidentiality is expected.

• Discussions regarding individual referrals and potential projects are conducted offline.

• We do what we say by delivering on our commitments.

• When we make a referral, there is no expectation of a financial return.

Our meetings are expected to offer the following benefits to members: 

• Best OD practices and industry trends (sharing of documents and articles on the practice of consulting).

• Serving as a resource, advisory team, and support group for each other, where all members feel safe to share a challenge and get helpful feedback. 

• Partnerships and collaboration among members.

• Understanding of diverse areas of expertise and how these can complement each other.

• Best business practices (contracts, tough clients, lessons learned, pitfalls/concerns with having a business).  Discussed by external subject matter experts as well as group members.

• Network of resources to develop brand and business.

• Social support and professional colleagues.

• Safe environment based on respect and confidentiality. 

• Client and business referrals whenever possible and appropriate for the needs of everyone involved.