Building the Workforce of the Future: How M-shaped Consultants Power

In a previous article on M-shaped profiles in business, we introduced a new type of professional, M-shaped: those who are deeply specialized in multiple complementary disciplines whilst also having a broad base of business and commercial understanding.

When thinking specifically around Consultants, M-Shaped takes on a very different meaning, as consultants have this unique capability of offering solutions that transcend beyond the realm of traditional consultancy. This follow-up will reveal that M-shaped consultants, instead of just driving innovation in organizations, are changing the landscape of the consultancy itself.

What Makes M-Shaped Consultants Different?

M-Shaped consultants bring a different approach to problem-solving. The traditional model of Consulting is the incorporation of specific external expertise around typically one area of knowledge, combined with the crucial ‘outside in’ perspective many companies value. What makes M-shaped professionals different is the putting together of deep knowledge across multiple domains, with a broader view – often horizontally, across the business. This is now proving to consistently unlock ideas and solutions that traditional consultants simply can’t identify.  

For instance, an M-shaped consultant in digital transformation might have a strong background in IT systems and technology but also bring to the table expertise in change management, customer experience, and business strategy. This enables the professional not only to advise on the right technological solutions but also to ensure such solutions seamlessly integrate into the business, thereby aligning with the greater goals of the organization.

Why M-Shaped Consultants Are Critical for Innovation

1. Holistic Problem-Solving Across Disciplines

Innovation isn’t just about implementing new technologies; it has to do with integrating new technologies into the fabric of the organization for long-term value. M-Shaped consultants bridge various areas of expertise; innovative solutions can be implemented to help drive business outcomes. M-shaped consultants are far more important in a company interested in building an innovative corporate culture since they understand and can address many cross-functional challenges.

For instance, during a digital transformation project, the traditional consultant would focus only on the technical implementation of the new systems, leaving aside necessary organizational and cultural shifts. An M-shaped consultant can navigate all these layers of integrating technology, processes, and people to ensure a smoother transition with greater impact.

2. Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Execution

M-Shaped consultants are good at aligning strategic vision with practical, actionable steps. Their wide-spanning expertise lets them take high-level business goals and translate those into on-the-ground solutions. This is an important capability for companies needing more than strategic advice but a consultant who will take them from concept through execution, making sure strategies are not just theoretical but are put to work in the real world.

For example, an M-shaped consultant will not only develop a strategy for a new market entry for a client but will also outline its operational, financial, and technological implications to get all business aspects ready for execution.

3. Encouraging Collaboration Across Teams

Innovation needs a diverse set of perspectives, but most importantly, it needs an environment that can value and respect those diverse perspectives. M-shaped consultants bring a very collaborative approach to the table since they connect disparate teams and nurture a culture of knowledge sharing. They understand the nuisances of various areas that make up corporations and can facilitate communication with IT, operations, marketing, and HR departments.

This would ensure that cross-functional teams have contributed to it, and hence, any given innovation would have been pursued from different vantage points so that comprehensive solutions may also address the organization of technologies, financial arrangements, and human elements of technologies involved.

4. Creating Change in Complex Environments

Many businesses today try to survive in complex, fast-moving environments where the old methods no longer work. The M-shaped consultants would bring agility and flexibility to such environments, enabling companies to adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty. Having a strong technical and nontechnical background enables them to grasp the drivers of change very quickly and thus adjust their approach toward emerging demands.

Whether it is a matter of adjusting to new regulatory changes, adopting new technologies, or restructuring teams, M-shaped consultants know how to find the right way forward through the most complex situations.

How M-Shaped Consultants Enhance the Consultancy Experience

1. Personalized Solution: The recommendations made by M-Shaped consultants are not one-size-fits-all. Their multifaceted skill set lets them personalize their recommendations to meet specific needs within the business, so the solution will be tailored for both immediate challenges and long-term goals. They are better able to provide more holistic and customized strategies, integrated with insights from multiple disciplines into an aligned unique context of the organization.
2. Deep Understanding of Client Needs: The M-shaped consultants will be able to understand the operations, culture, and challenges of their clients more intimately. The holistic view then forms the basis for more focused solutions, reflecting a full understanding of the client’s needs critical to building trust and driving results.
3. Sustainability in Solutions: Today, many organizations focus on sustainability, and it is the right place where M-shaped consultants can offer their solutions. The M-Shaped consultant brings in expertise from business strategy, operations, and sustainability to help companies innovate with minimal environmental impact while delivering long-term value.

The Role of M-Shaped Consultants in the Future of Work

The future of work is characterized by uncertainty, rapid technological change, and growing interconnectivity. As companies deal with a range of challenges, from digital transformation to sustainability and workforce management, the demand for M-shaped consultants is set to grow. These professionals are going to be highly valuable in enabling businesses to cut their way through complex problems and to make uncertainty an opportunity.

1. Adapting to the Rise of AI and Automation

As AI and automation continue to evolve and change industries, M-shaped consultants will be at the center, leading organizations through that change. They will bring in technical knowledge for introducing automation tools and will ensure that processes and people are aligned such that this is seamless.

2. Fostering Remote and Hybrid Work

Today, with remote and hybrid work environments increasingly gaining interest, a different kind of strategy will be needed to foster collaboration, engagement, and productivity. M-shaped consultants are broadly qualified in organizational design, technology, and change management; they can therefore competently consult on how companies can successfully make this transition.

3. Empower Organizational Resilience

The M-shaped consultants are highly crucial to guide organizations in being resilient through any external disruption arising out of economic challenges, supply chains, or global crises-like pandemics. Their comprehension of the complex system and gathering diversified insights allow them to come out with strategies that help organizations get stronger after every fall.

How Portera’s M-shaped Consultants Drive Business Success

At Portera, we provide M-shaped consultants who bring a unique blend of expertise across multiple disciplines, empowering your business to address complex challenges and drive innovation through a holistic approach. Our consultants are skilled in tackling key issues in areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, workforce management, etc. offering tailored solutions that deliver long-term success.

Feedback from our partners consistently highlights the key advantages of working with our M-Shaped consultants, including:

• A strong sense of being understood and truly listened to
• Accelerated innovation that drives competitive advantage
• Improved operational efficiency across departments
• A greater ability to adapt quickly to dynamic market conditions