March 2024

On January 22, 2024 Gallup published the results of a study in an article by Megan Brenan and Jeffrey M. Jones entitled, Ethics Ratings of Nearly All Professions Down in U.S.  The study conducted December 1-20, 2023, of 800 U.S. adults, measured the honesty and ethics of 23 professions and compared the data to its historical data starting in 1976. [NOTE: Management Consulting was NOT included in their list of professions.]

Their findings: the 800 participants believe the honesty and ethics of the professions included have declined by an average of six points since 2019 (Veterinarians were the exception because their profession was not included in the 2019 study.) Nurses are deemed most trustworthy, honest, and ethical in the study with Senators and then Members of Congress in the bottom two spots. The ONLY profession that saw an increase - though it was only a 1% point increase - of all 23 professions was Labor Union Leaders.

So what does this mean to us as management consultants? With trust seemingly eroding among most professions, now more than ever, we need to walk the walk and talk the talk of ethical management consulting. If we hope to attract new clients, deepen relationships with our clients, and provide greater outcomes for them, we need them to trust us. We need them to believe in us and our honesty. We need them to know we're ethical in how we work with them and in how we manage our businesses. We need to talk about, apply, and model the IMC USA enforceable Code of Ethics in our communications and interactions with them.

Let's start to talk comfortably, confidently, and intelligently about how we put trust, honesty, and ethical practices at the forefront of everything we do. Let's elevate trust in management consulting, even when trust in other professions is down.

Call for Nominations for IMC USA Board of Directors

If you have been looking for a way to make a difference, grow your leadership skills and give back to the profession, consider serving on the IMC USA Board of Directors.

Elected positions include: Chair-Elect,* Treasurer (2-year term limit) and two Directors (3-year term).

*Chair-Elect is an automatic successor to the Chair in the second year and Past Chair after completing a one-year Chair term. (3-year rotation)

If you would like to nominate yourself or another IMC USA member, please send an email to the Nominating Committee ([email protected]) no later than Friday, March 1, 2024 at 5 pm EST. 

Prospective candidates will receive a questionnaire summarizing their relevant experience and submit a one-page statement supporting their candidacy and a photo. In addition to strong leadership skills and a commitment to actively participate in Board meetings and activities, the Nominating Committee evaluates each candidate’s familiarity and experience with fiduciary, governance and operations of non-profit organizations, their past service to IMC USA and other organizations and interviews the nominee and several references. Upon completion of all interviews, the Nominating Committee will communicate directly with each prospective candidate regarding their candidacy.

Individuals whose qualifications and interests match the board’s current requirements for Director will be included in the ballot for the 2024 elections. Directors that are duly elected will serve a three (3) year term ending in 2027 .

Please note our rating criteria favors candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to the profession of consulting by earning a CMC® certification.

General Eligibility Criteria for Board Service:

• Member of IMC USA in good standing.

• Experience as a volunteer Board or Committee member in IMC USA or other organization.

• Leadership experience within IMC USA (chapter board, chapter, or national committee) or other organizations.

General information about national Board of Director service:

• Board members are expected to attend each scheduled board meeting (quarterly virtual meetings, annual face-to-face board meeting at the national conference, periodic working sessions, special board meetings as needed) as well as attend the national conference and other IMC USA events. The Executive Committee will determine the meeting schedules and locations; the current board schedule will be included in the nomination application.

• Board members are responsible for completing assigned tasks and preparation for each meeting.

• Directors must be able and willing to commit to the necessary time for duties (time commitments vary by role).

Please submit the name(s) of candidate(s) to the Nominating Committee ([email protected]) no later than 5 pm EST on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Questions? Contact Loraine Huchler, P. E., CMC®, FIMC, Chair, IMC USA Nominating Committee, [email protected]; 609-865-8151 (cell)

Upcoming Events

March 8, 2024 - Lunch and Learn Webinar: Unlocking a Foolproof Process for Consulting Success

Are you looking to seeking to elevate the way you manage client projects? Do you need a systematic framework to enhance project efficiency? Grab lunch and join us for a one hour training as we unlock a proven process for managing client assignments! Discover how to streamline project processes, improve client communication, and ensure project outcomes aligned with stakeholders' expectations. Our speaker, Loraine Huchler, will share practical insights, best practices, and real-world examples to help you increase client satisfaction. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your consulting approach and deliver exceptional results for your clients. Whether you're a seasoned consultant or just starting, this session is a must-attend. Register now!

Guest Speaker: Loraine Huchler, P.E., CMC®, FIMC currently serves as the IMC USA Vice-President of Professional Learning and Development and is an instructor for the IMC USA course that teaches the fundamentals of management consulting, Mastering Management Consulting (MMC) and is author and facilitator for the IMC USA introductory course for management consulting, QuickStart.

For 35 years, she has run a highly successful consulting practice that assesses and manages risk in water-related utility systems. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, published a book, and serves on the editorial board of an engineering trade publication. Ms Huchler has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY and is licensed as a Professional Engineer Click Here to Register Today

March 12, 2024 - Inside the Consultant's Studio

Inside the Consultant’s Studio is an IMC USA quarterly program where we interview a successful management consultant followed by audience questions and answers. It offers audience members first-hand knowledge and expertise on consultative behavior.

March 15, 2024 - Leadership Summit

On behalf of the National Board of Directors, IMC USA volunteers are invited to join us for the 2024 Leadership Summit. It is both an exciting and changing time for IMC USA as we continue to grow and adapt to our new world and way of life. The Summit will again be held virtually!

Why risk making a mistake because you were uninformed? These engaging conversations inform, educate, and help our community of management consultants be the best we can be.”