Maximising the Impact of Your Transformation Projects: Why a Consultant Might Be a Better Choice Than a Contractor

In today’s fast-paced business environment, organisations often find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to executing critical transformation projects. Whether it’s organisational redesign, system implementations, or other strategic initiatives, the decision between hiring contractors or engaging a consulting firm can make all the difference. At Adeptli, we’ve observed that many businesses lean towards contractors for bespoke projects, thinking it’s a more cost-effective solution. While this approach can work in certain cases, it’s often a hit-and-miss strategy that can lead to missed opportunities and increased costs down the line.

The Pitfalls of Hiring Contractors for Bespoke Projects

It’s easy to understand why many organisations opt for contractors instead of consultants. After all, contractors can be hired for short-term assignments, are often specialised in their fields, and offer a sense of flexibility. However, the truth is that hiring contractors to handle a project from start to finish often results in confusion, inefficiencies, and potentially wasted resources.

Many contractors come from large organisations or specific sectors, where they’ve been directed and managed by leaders who provided structure, guidance, and input. When these individuals transition into independent contractor roles, they often lack the support systems that helped them excel in their previous positions. As individual contributors, contractors can lack the oversight and management required to deliver comprehensive solutions.

You’re still left with the task of managing the project, defining the process, providing inputs, and guiding them in the right direction. Without this additional layer of support, the risk of misaligned objectives and suboptimal results increases.

Why Some Contractors Succeed

While many contractors struggle in an independent role, there are exceptions. Some individuals have worked in complex or unique circumstances that provided them with perspectives not typically found in more "business as usual" environments. These individuals may have been exposed to high-pressure situations or projects with more ambiguity, allowing them to develop a broader understanding of how to navigate challenges creatively and strategically. Their diverse experiences, often gained from roles that required significant problem-solving and adaptability, make them more capable of succeeding in independent contractor positions.

These contractors, who have worked their way up from analyst to senior consultant or director roles, bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight. They are not just specialists in one area but are versatile, able to pivot and manage various aspects of a transformation project. If you find one of these rare gems, you’re likely tapping into something truly valuable—a contractor who can function with a high degree of autonomy while also bringing the depth of knowledge needed to lead and drive change effectively.

The Role of Consultants in Successful Transformation Projects

At Adeptli, we advocate for a balanced approach to transformation—one that avoids both the pitfalls of relying solely on individual contractors and the overreliance on expensive consulting firms that may not always have your best interests at heart. Many businesses face a dilemma: they want to avoid the costs and potential lack of personal alignment that come with large consulting firms, while still ensuring their projects receive the expertise and dedication they deserve.

Consulting firms provide the full suite of capabilities, but often at a price that can stretch budgets without necessarily aligning with the company’s specific needs. On the other hand, relying solely on individual contractors can lead to fragmented execution and lack of oversight. At Adeptli, we understand that companies are looking for cost-effective, tailored solutions that strike a balance—where you get access to the right expertise without compromising on quality or strategic alignment.

Often, companies prefer to hire individual consultants who are more closely aligned to their unique needs and values, as they can provide a level of focus and commitment that large firms may not. Our team at Adeptli ensures that you get the expertise of seasoned consultants who understand your goals and are truly vested in your success.

How to Make the Right Choice

So, how can you avoid the common pitfalls and ensure your transformation project is a success?

1. Hire a Complete Project Team The most effective approach is to ensure you hire the full range of expertise necessary to make the project a success. If you lack the internal capacity to manage the entire project, consulting firms offer the comprehensive resources needed to get the job done.

2. Understand Your Own Processes If your budget doesn’t allow for a full consulting team, consider having consultants build the processes for you, so you have a clear structure in place to manage the work yourself. This way, you can keep your project on track and ensure nothing is missed.

3. Align Resources with the Right Capabilities Don’t be blinded by the type of project you’re running. Different projects require different expertise. Hiring a contractor to manage an organisational redesign when they’ve only worked on technical systems implementations will likely leave you with subpar outcomes.

4. Think of Business Projects Like Asset or Systems Implementations When you approach a transformation project, treat it like you would a major asset purchase or a systems implementation. You need to consider:

   • Who will test the quality of the output?

   • What is the warranty on the outcomes?

   • How will you measure success?

   • Will you be left with a ‘user manual’ to guide your next steps?

The Adeptli Difference: Unlocking Sustainable Transformation

At Adeptli, we believe in providing tailored solutions that align with your organisation's specific goals and needs. Our consultants bring a wealth of expertise and experience in areas like organisational design, transformation management, and operational strategy, ensuring that you have the right people to drive your projects from start to finish. With a structured approach and the right resources, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls and create sustainable, impactful changes for your business.

If you're ready to take the next step in your organisation's transformation journey, get in touch with Adeptli today to discuss how we can support you with our consulting services. Let us help you build the future you want.