There are seven stages of internal consulting that an HR Professional must be familiar with. Consider this scenario: Frances has developed an HR training plan for her organization. The plan is compreh

Reviewing, transitioning, and evaluating the project is the final stage that occurs only after a plan has been implemented, not during its initial presentation to management.

Gaining agreement to the project plan is the stage where the consultant presents a completed, developed plan to decision-makers and seeks their formal commitment and approval. Frances has already moved past analysis and plan development and is now specifically seeking management buy-in, which is the defining characteristic of this stage. This stage differs from simply presenting findings in that the consultant is advocating for approval of a fully formed plan of action.

Presenting findings and recommendations is an earlier diagnostic stage where the consultant shares analysis and proposes options, not where a finalized plan is brought forward for approval.

Exploring the situation is the first stage of internal consulting where the consultant assesses the problem or need, a step Frances has already completed before developing her plan.