The challenges of private-sector assignments

Next to getting to know the client's business, the greatest challenge is to understand what makes the company tick: what is its value system, how does it work, what are its memories and sometimes myths? Every company has its culture(s): these can be as important as the products or services it offers. This often means way below the surface, beyond the annual reports and the corporate governance claims.

A company we worked for gave as a copy of their corporate mission statement which contained, in the main paragraph, a major typographical howler. No one had ever read it! 

The organisational aspects of private-sector assignments

The n° 1 priority is a professional communications or HR person on the client side to act as coordinator and interlocutor. He or she can then mediate on any issues coming in from other departments (full of people who, without justification, consider themselves to be great communicators), smooth out the wrinkles and help the process along.

The outcome is quicker and better results, lower costs, and a really satisfied client.