What should a consultant focus on to ensure effective consultations?

Focusing on clarifying client goals and expectations is essential for effective consultations because it establishes a clear understanding of what the client aims to achieve. This approach helps build trust and rapport between the consultant and the client, as it demonstrates the consultant's commitment to addressing the client's specific needs. By actively listening and asking probing questions, a consultant can gather vital information that informs their recommendations and solutions. This alignment ensures that the consultant can provide tailored advice that genuinely addresses the client's objectives, leading to more successful outcomes and a stronger client-consultant relationship. Understanding and articulating goals also allows the consultant to prioritize tasks effectively and measure success based on agreed-upon benchmarks.