So what goes wrong? (Part 4)

Dear Peter

A consulting firm has been helping us design our new organisation structure. I now find that one of their consultants is positioning herself for the job in the new structure that I thought was earmarked for me! She doesn’t know that I know what she is doing; I feel like I’m being cheated on. But I don’t know whether to start a scene with her or play it cool.

Peter says:

This is more common than you might think; I saw it happen in a Government department recently and it ended with the internal Director leaving – but the consultant didn’t get the job either! If professional services advisers were regulated like we doctors are, with a code of conduct, this would clearly be a breach. If you have the ability, fire the consulting firm, or at least that consultant. If you don’t, it all depends how strong your relationship is with your boss. But at the very least, speak to the consultant’s partner confidentially and express your unhappiness.