In a comprehensive IT project, all knowledge must be used. It places demands on cooperation across departments. A problem for organisations that have not done projects for a long time and have been left behind in technical developments. In the boardroom, the tension is building, which approach is going to help us achieve the goals. The hired consultant wonders: what is expected of me with this new assignment? Do I have to do a job here with an hour/invoice or do I get the space to add something for the longer term?

The unknown destination

At the introduction there was ridicule, here we have another new tourist. By this we mean that we regularly have consultants on the floor, who do some dust and then leave again. We call those advisors who come and go, with their good intentions, tourists. I found the imagery of the tourist interesting. The tourist is a person who is willing to travel to unknown destinations, to get new impressions. Driven by curiosity and not afraid to take risks, he wants to make his life richer. The experiences and insights are taken into account for the next trip. If it gets too stuffy in one location, the traveler leaves again to another destination, where there is space and air, with new vistas.

Discover for yourself

I now realize that my work as a consultant is not just about the appropriate advice, the substantive support for an important IT project. It is also about provoking colleagues to leave the wall of 'that is how we have always done it'. To also behave as a tourist and to undertake a risky trip. Discovering new vistas. Perhaps something changes permanently, through the experiences and emotions. The employees will discover the best solutions themselves in the next project. A moment when I can leave as a tourist with a good feeling, to the next assignment.