Take the IMC USA Ethics Challenge! Read this case study and the IMC USA Code of Ethics, then comment below.
The Consulting Ethics Situation
You’re wrapping up your client meeting with Alyse, the Chief Operations Officer, confirming your consulting project scope of services and work plan before your team starts in three weeks.
This is an ideal project for you and your team. You also need this contract to carry your team into next year.
John, the CEO, joins the meeting unexpectedly just as you and Alyse are ready to leave. John enthusiastically shares that he’s heard about you from Alyse for several months. He shares that he’s happy you’ll be starting right away.
John adds that he needs you to finally fix the issues his team hasn’t been able to do on their own. He then names the issues most pressing to him. They’re within your wheelhouse, but they’re not the most pressing per the scope and plan you and Alyse just finalized.
John adds he’s under pressure from the board and needs these fixes sooner rather than later.
Then, without time for discussion, John stands up, says he’s late for his next meeting, and leaves.
What do you do?
Refer to the IMC USA Code of Ethics. In the comments below, answer these questions. 1.) If you were this consultant – what would you do? 2.) What elements of the Code of Ethics might apply to this case?
About The Author, Liz Weber CMC, CSP
The author of this post, Liz Weber CMC, CSP, is a Certified Management Consultant® (CMC®) and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). She is one of fewer than 100 people in the U.S. to hold both designations – the highest earned in two different industries. Liz currently serves as IMC USA’s Ethics Chair. Liz holds an MBA in International Business, has taught for Johns Hopkins University’s Graduate School of Continuing Studies and Georgetown University’s Senior Executive Leadership Program. Liz has supervised business activities in 129 countries, consulted in over 20 countries, written ten leadership books, and currently writes a monthly blog and posts on social media daily.
Code of Ethics #4 comes to mind – understanding of objectives, scope, work plan, and fees is necessary to go forward. That is certainly clear in what Alyse has agreed to, but not with John. #2 and #9 also could come into play.
You should discuss your ethical requirements with Alyse and ask for a formal meeting with John to establish that same clarity (and a written proposal) before any work is done to address his needs.
Thanks for your insights Dan. Yes, both you and Alyse need to hit the brakes, clarify outcomes with John, and revise the scope of work, plan and fees as needed. If you don’t, you’re setting yourself up for headaches you don’t want or need.