In my nearly three decades (ouch!) of working in environmental, health, and safety (EHS), the biggest mistake I see EHS managers within any organization make is viewing an outside consultant as competition. Often, they’ll walk into these conversations feeling defensive and about to be put under a microscope or worse, replaced entirely.
I get it. Nobody wants to feel like their job is on the line or that some stranger is going to waltz in and make them look bad in front of the boss. We've all had that moment of panic: “Are they here to prove how much smarter they are than me?”
But here's the thing: consultants aren't the enemy. They're not some corporate mercenaries waiting to swoop in and take over. They're just professionals who've spent years diving deep into specific challenges who might just have the exact expertise you need so that you look good.
Think of them less as a threat and more as a specialized teammate—someone who's not trying to replace you but rather someone trying to help you solve that stubborn problem that's been keeping you up at night.
Questions every EHS leader should ask
Before jumping into any consulting partnership, there are few questions you should ask yourself. First:
1. What is the true timeline you have to resolve the issue?
And then, it’s:
2. Do I have the internal resources (people) to resolve these issues in that timeframe?
3. Do I have the technical capabilities to resolve the issue?
If you answered no to any of these questions, it’s time to bring in some extra help.
Having said that, calling a consultant when everything’s falling apart and you feel like your hair is on fire is not the ideal way to start the relationship. Emergency modes rarely lead to the best solutions. Take a look at your needs before urgent situations pop up, and consider how an outside source can prevent them.
Proactive beats reactive every single time.
Think about all the things that go into an EHS program—it's a lot to say the least (we’ll address all the parts of an EHS program in my next column).
- Where are you trying to go with your program, and how do you stay on top of changing regulations?
- Where do you have gaps in coverage and even gaps in experience?
A consultant can come in and help you consider things you never thought you needed to consider.
Budget wisdom: Less can be more
Contrary to popular belief, a great consultant isn't trying to drain your budget. They will instead view your budget like they would their own wallet and make sure every dime is stretched as far as possible to achieve whatever your end goal is. However, this only works if you are completely honest from day one. Be transparent about your budget, and watch how creatively they can help solve your challenges.
The art of finding the right consultant
Let's talk about that critical first meeting. How do you know you've found a consultant who's going to be a partner and not just another vendor trying to sell you something?
First and foremost, pay attention to how well they listen. And I mean really listen. A great consultant doesn't walk in with a one-size-fits-all solution. They walk in with open ears and an open mind. They should be able to repeat back your key concerns, showing they've heard what you're saying.
Beware of consultants who arrive with a predetermined pitch. If they're immediately pushing a specific product or solution, that's a red flag. Consulting isn't about selling a pre-packaged fix—it's about understanding your unique environment, your challenges, and your culture.
The right consultant will make you feel heard, not sold. They'll brainstorm with you, not at you. They'll ask questions that show they're genuinely trying to understand your world and not just trying to prove how much they already know.
Trust your gut. After that first meeting, you should feel like you're entering a partnership, not a transaction. Are they investing in understanding you as much as you're investing in their expertise? Are they committed to learning your specific context?
Remember, a great consultant doesn't arrive with answers—they arrive with questions.
When you drop your guard and when you're willing to be real—and I mean genuinely vulnerable—about what's going on in your organization, that's when consulting stops being a transaction and starts becoming a true partnership.
Read Danielle’s previous column, Cost center to value driver: The hidden ROI of EHS, and learn how companies are finally connecting the dots and turning solid EHS programs into serious business wins.
