Internal Consulting Skills for Federal HR Professionals Course

Module 1: Consulting Skills Overview

• Define basic consulting terms and roles.
• Differentiate internal vs. external consulting.
• Explore three key consultant roles: expert, pair of hands, collaborator.
• Assess consulting competencies using self-evaluation tools.

Module 2: Entry, Engagement, and Clarifying

• Plan and conduct an exploratory entry meeting with clients.
• Clarify project goals, roles, and scope of work.
• Apply listening and framing techniques to understand client needs.
• Prevent common challenges like scope creep and unclear expectations.

Module 3: Finding Data, People, and Information

• Use interviews, focus groups, and surveys to collect diagnostic data.
• Evaluate data collection methods and match them to client needs.
• Develop skills in questionnaire design, data analysis, and benchmarking.
• Practice using structured templates for note-taking and documentation.

Module 4: Recommending Options and Strategies

• Design and deliver effective feedback meetings.
• Develop solution options and analyze potential implementation strategies.
• Use decision-making tools collaboratively with clients.
• Address client concerns with assertive, actionable recommendations.

Module 5: Dealing with Client Resistance

• Understand why resistance occurs and recognize its forms.
• Apply power and influence strategies without formal authority.
• Practice techniques to manage and overcome client pushback.
• Use empathetic and non-defensive communication techniques.

Module 6: Implementation

• Select appropriate intervention strategies for various change initiatives.
• Implement pilot programs to reduce risk and gain stakeholder support.
• Develop practical action plans with milestones and checkpoints.
• Support people through change and promote buy-in across the organization.

Module 7: Evaluating the Project

• Differentiate process vs. results evaluations.
• Develop an evaluation plan including baseline measures and data sources.
• Use Kirkpatrick’s model to assess outcomes, reactions, learning, and behavior change.
• Present evaluation results and recommendations for future consulting cycles.

Module 8: Federal HR Consulting Skills: Summary and Close

• Review and integrate the five-phase consulting model.
• Reflect on personal growth and learning throughout the course.
• Develop an action plan for applying new consulting skills in real-world settings.