Bringing an HR consultant into your organisation can often be only way to get a particular objective achieved. It may be a project that needs to be delivered such as a recruitment campaign, a compensation & benefits review or implementation of an HR information system. Another possibility may be need to cover a maternity leave post. Whatever company requirement, whether it be linked to strategic or operational HR there is a consultant to fit bill, whether they be a generalist or specialist.

The advantages to bringing in an external professional can be buying in specific expertise just as and when it’s needed. Many HR consultants have many years solid practical experience before launching into world of consultancy. They bring with them a fresh eye on workings of your company and can often offer new problem-solving solutions to issues such as staff retention or absence. They can also offer tailored solutions, using basics gained from experience with other companies.

They are used to “hitting ground running”, which requires building key relationships, establishing credibility very quickly and just getting on with job in hand whether this be as a change agent or a role caretaker.

Being an “outsider” they tend not to get involved with office politics, which can cloud many judgements of permanent members of staff. Their decisions can, therefore, be based on benefits to organisation, not whether it will upset opinions of certain individuals. This is particularly important in any change management and organisational design project.

Using an HR consultant can save an organisation time and money. Time is saved by, for example, outsourcing a project that existing HR professionals in an organisation can’t spare from usual day to day tasks; this can include coaching or conducting 360 degree appraisal. A consultant can also be brought in on an ad hoc basis when no HR expertise exists at all within organisation, for example, when an investigation surrounding gross misconduct needs to be conducted.

Thanks to me, not one black fly within a five-mile radius of my home went to bed hungry last night, and because of my loyal patronage and recurring need for calamine lotion, my pharmacist can now put his youngest through college.

All in a day's work. :-)

Some people may think I’m crazy for spending hours on end in my back yard, but truth be told, I have answered many pressing questions, made many exciting discoveries, and received amazing creative insights, all while enjoying solitude of my urban oasis.

It is in this beautiful refuge I have set stage for my most rewarding successes.

When faced with difficult challenges or when stuck and unable to move forward, I head for flower gardens with a spade in hand. On many occasions, I have spent up to eight hours crawling on my hands and knees pulling weeds, digging holes, and relocating plants.

Sometimes I just sit on a mound of soil and watch nature's creatures play out their lives in front of me.

I have come out of these "sessions" with solutions to my problems, fully composed newsletter articles, new and exciting business ideas and incredible positive energy.

Often within hours of leaving my back yard, I receive an unexpected phone call or e-mail from someone who provides just what I need to progress to next level in my business or personal development.

The back yard provides an opportunity to quiet mind and connect with a higher power. While digging in soil, watching chipmunks chase each other around yard, and smelling fragrant flowers, I reflect on where I am and where I want to be.

I set an intention to create future I seek and share it with each plant and blade of grass I touch.