Personnel professionals need to acquire and constantly update a full portfolio of core skills; this series aims to equip managers with all the essential elements. Michael Armstrong, one of Britain's best-known business writers, examines the different skills supplied by HR consultants, how they operate, and the best (and some less good) reasons for using them. He gives advice on: setting and communicating objectives; selecting the right consultant; building teams and gaining staff commitment; managing the project for maximum effectiveness; coping with problems and parting company; implementing consultant's suggestions. A concluding chapter, with case studies, shows how difficulties can be confronted and overcome. Although consultants inevitably vary in quality, argues Armstrong, clients must always take ultimate responsibility for results. This book aims to provide them with all the essential techniques.