The Farmers vs Hunters Consultants - Which One Is A Better Fit For Your NGO?
This article is written in collaboration with Hasriadi (Ary) Masalam Ph.D, expert in the world of NGO with 20+ years of experience and is currently Program Advisor at The Freedom Fund. This article is part of a series that dives into the world of NGOs and communications.
For many NGOs, hiring consultants can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, consultants bring specialized skills and fresh perspectives that can address specific organizational needs. On the other hand, NGOs may feel unsure about a consultant’s ability to understand their unique mission, particularly when it involves niche areas – think advocacy for migrant workers or nuanced community programs, what are the odds that someone has 10+ years experience working in this space? These unique challenges make it essential to adopt a strategic approach in selecting and working with consultants.
The Value of Outside Perspective
NGOs often operate with a profound, embedded understanding of the issues they address, leading to deep but potentially narrow perspectives. While this knowledge is invaluable for advocacy and hands-on program work, it can also lead to tunnel vision. An external consultant offers a unique lens on operations, often bringing insights on broader strategic and structural needs.
This outsider viewpoint is especially beneficial when crafting external communications for donors or stakeholders who may need facilitation to understand this specialized knowledge. Balancing a consultant’s broader view with the NGO’s in-depth understanding can create a powerful synergy that bridges the gap between technical expertise and accessible messaging.
Building Strong Relationships with Consultants
The key to a successful consultant relationship lies in mutual trust and clear communication. Consultants work most effectively when they understand both the core goals of the organization and the dynamics of its team. To establish this foundation, NGOs must view consultants as collaborators rather than outsiders. Working in an environment of shared objectives and open dialogue helps consultants provide actionable advice and tailored strategies that resonate with the NGO’s mission and stakeholders.
The Two Approaches: Hunter vs. Farmer Consultants
When selecting a consultant, it’s useful to consider the “hunter” and “farmer” mindsets, as each brings a distinct style that suits different organizational needs.
- Hunter Consultants: Hunters are goal-driven, focused on quick wins and short-term objectives. They excel at tackling specific, well-defined tasks and can deliver solutions efficiently, making them ideal for organizations that need to resolve immediate issues or offload work. NGOs with tight deadlines or limited resources may benefit from the hunter approach, which emphasizes rapid, results-oriented work without requiring a prolonged relationship.
- Farmer Consultants: Farmer consultants are relationship-oriented, investing time to nurture a deep connection with the organization and its mission. They work steadily to understand and embed themselves in the organization’s culture, gradually building solutions that foster long-term change. For NGOs seeking systemic improvements and enduring impact, the farmer approach is invaluable. Like a well-tended crop, the benefits may take time to materialize, but the long-term rewards are profound, particularly for organizations committed to continuous growth and deep-rooted change.
The decision to work with a hunter or farmer consultant should align with the NGO’s specific goals and timeline. Here are a few considerations to help determine the best approach:
- Urgency and Scope of Work: For urgent, discrete tasks that require swift completion, a hunter mindset may be preferable. However, for comprehensive projects involving systemic reform or significant organizational shifts, a farmer approach would likely yield better results.
- Depth of Expertise Needed: If the work requires a nuanced understanding of the NGO’s mission, a farmer consultant who takes time to understand and integrate with the organization may be essential. Conversely, if the task is highly procedural or operational, a hunter might be able to meet the need effectively without prolonged engagement.
- Desired Relationship Duration: Hunters are ideal for projects with clear start and end points, where consultants provide targeted solutions and move on. Farmers are more suitable for NGOs seeking to cultivate a long-term partnership with gradual, measurable outcomes that evolve over time.
The choice between hunter and farmer consultants ultimately depends on the nature and urgency of the NGO’s needs. Whether aiming for quick, focused results or a partnership that grows with the organization, understanding these two distinct consultant mindsets allows NGOs to select the best fit and build a relationship that drives meaningful impact. By fostering trust and open communication, NGOs can unlock the potential of any consultant relationship, transforming their vision into reality and amplifying their impact on the communities they serve.
Cerita Data, our sister initiative to Berdaya Media, takes on the approach of “a farmer” consultant. We understand that it takes time to build trust and expertise in an area, and we are here to support bridging the need to communicate through different levels of stakeholder understanding that can create deeper, more resonating messages that inspire action.
We take our work very seriously, and we have had relationships that span almost 3+ years with just one client!
To learn more, go to Cerita Data here.
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