It's crucial to stay connected with industry professionals and stay informed about shifting market trends. Gathering insights from frontline personnel helps identify root problems and explore effective solutions, such as introducing new technologies or governance structures. Engaging with clients on changing business trends and challenges allows for restructuring their practices. Most importantly, listening to clients is key to understanding their vision. As consultants, acquiring new skills and knowledge, particularly in emerging technologies, is essential. Remaining flexible and adaptable in our approach helps achieve project goals.

Having close collaboration with the client is essential. Having bi-weekly or weekly check-ins to discuss trends and how they might impact priorities. This constant dialogue ensures course correct in real time if needed. Also, frequent milestone reviews to assess whether the goals are still aligned and flexibility to adapt as required.

The cliché first-"Change is the only constant" so often heard. Industries change- some slowly, some rapidly and some in the blink of an eye. Who can forget the Kodak, Nokia & other stories! As a management consultant you ought to be a few steps ahead in anticipating, tracking and predicting (if I may say so) change. As you work with the client, use Scenario Planning technique to anticipate the unknown or partially known & feared. Also ensure that the project plan incorporates buffer for quick & gradual changes. Your reviews have to be more frequent and detailed. Course corrections have to be done accordingly. If you are bold enough, go for a mix of fixed price & flexible (for scope creep and change) payment terms to cover contingencies.

The industry trends need to be observed and studies on a continuous basis by using tech tools. It should not be an one-off effort. This information should then be prioritized to understand its impact on the project implementation strategies. Sometimes tactical changes would be required but sometimes a complete strategic shift would become necessary to ensure successful achievements of project goals. Being AGILE is the key in such volatile industries. Change management should be like a SOP