The Fifth Column—Some Reflections on Surviving as an Internal Consultant, Azerbaijan, & Two Thieves

Whenever I speak before a local TIMS and/or ORSA chapter, certain questions keep occuring. One of the most frequent questions runs something like: “Well, I agree that you can do what you suggest, but you must recognize that I am an internal consultant, now tell me what will work for me.” The inference is clear, that there is a profound difference between being an internal consultant and an external consultant. Further it is usually implied that an external consultant has much more freedom to say and do outrageous things than the internal one. Also everyone understands that the external consultant can always leave (money in hand), and never be seen again, while the internal consultant has to stay and face the music. For this reason many internal consultants count the days when they can leave Amalgamated Conglomerate Inc. and go into business for themselves. It doesn't often take too long before they are back being an internal consultant again, sadder, wiser, and in debt. Let's take some of the common problems of the internal consultant and consider some tactics for survival.