How a Distributed Consulting Team Works Like an Orchestra
Many owners choose consulting partners based on the assumption that a team working in one location will always deliver the most consistent result. That belief is worth revisiting. In my experience, a distributed team can often create more thoughtful solutions because it brings together specialists who refine their skills in different settings. At Becht, we see this dynamic in our project work, which brings to mind a musical metaphor that captures how this plays out in practice.
Geography does not limit great performance
Consulting teams today are rarely tied to a single location; in many fields, the most experienced people live and work around the world. A dispersed team is far from a limitation. This model is shaped by the idea that clients deserve the strongest advice from people who have honed their craft across varied environments. When a consulting group assembles for a project, it can function much like a symphonic orchestra that gathers from far and wide to perform a shared piece.
The client is the composer who creates the music the team is asked to play. The project manager (PM) fills the role of the conductor. The PM interprets the client’s score and guides the tone from each section to design the experience.
The performers are the subject matter experts. These consultants sharpen their skills by participating in the development of industry standards and best practices for all to apply in business. They perform from the communities where they live, then unite when it is time to play. A strong consulting culture provides the framework that helps them collaborate quickly and professionally. At Becht, this culture encourages steady, open dialogue so the team can reach the interpretation that best serves the client. The experts can also help strengthen the client’s own musicians through guidance and instruction.
Matching the ensemble to the problem
Different projects require different ensembles. Some engagements call for a small, focused group similar to a chamber quartet of mechanical engineers working on a Fitness-for-Service evaluation. Others need something more like a woodwind group where process engineers study a catalyst change. Certain problems resemble a jazz ensemble that brings together heater specialists, process consultants, mechanical expertise, and a simulation modeler to evaluate energy performance. Becht teams often assemble in these ways and the mix of voices helps reveal insights that might not appear in a more uniform group. Some groups develop a specialty in a particular genre and can perform that piece quickly when a client needs it.
Sometimes a full symphonic performance is needed. An Operational Excellence effort or a sitewide Turnaround Excellence program can require multiple movements that work together across an extended season of work. A firm with a broad bench of experts can gather the right players for each movement. Becht’s network allows this type of assembling and we often see the depth it brings to the final performance. Diversity of experience adds dimension and supports interpretations that reflect the client’s challenges more clearly.
As a performance develops, the collaboration between the musicians and the conductor shapes the final vision. This collaboration applies in consulting as well. A team that gathers from different locations can provide fresh thought and a wider view of what the music can become. Some teams deliver strength through consistency; others through variety. Both models have value, yet the distributed model can be particularly effective when the piece is unique or time sensitive. Becht’s experience with time-critical evaluations reinforces how powerful this approach can be.
This framework gives owners a different way to evaluate consulting support. Instead of focusing on where a team sits, it can be more useful to understand how well a firm brings together the right musicians for the score that needs to be played. Rather than uniformity, the goal is a performance that reflects the client’s needs with precision. When the time comes to bring your next piece to life, Becht is prepared to help assemble the players and support the performance you need. Reach out anytime.
