Consultant Focus versus Contractor Focus

The terms consultant and contractor are often used interchangeably.  We believe that there is a difference in what our clients expect of a consultant versus a contractor.  A contractor usually fills a role that has operational characteristics similar to an employee.  A consultant is filling a role with a specialized need in support of a project or initiative.  The skills and qualities required for each type of role are different.  A contractor generally performs the tasks as directed, fulfilling a prescribed set of responsibilities.  A consultant brings unique thinking to the role, and is expected to be creative, innovative, provide advice and challenge the approach, to assist with setting direction.