Getting the Founders back into ICMCI Brian Ing On behalf of Peter Thomas Member of the Meridian Order of the ICMCI

The Issue In 1987, a collection of the recognised top Management Consultants worldwide gathered in Paris They founded ICMCI in the belief that as leaders of the profession there was a need for body which had the objective of raising standards and professionalism Today, too few people who could be described as “the leaders of the profession worldwide” are members of their national body ICMCI needs to consider how it can assist the national Members to attract this crucial section of the profession into active involvement. Peter Thomas has proposed an alternative route into CMC as one component of rectifying the situation.

Some causes Varies from country to country Some countries have a split between profession and trade bodies – In some countries the profession body has become more representative of the small firms Some countries report a lack of enthusiasm for certification in senior personnel Some, perhaps with some insight, report the fear of not qualifying as being a strong disincentive for senior people Some countries have deliberately avoided these people Probably a hundred other reasons

Some solutions Canada's “Executive Recruitment” programme Other countries due to follow Some countries have leading professional as Chair/President Germany having CEO's of major member firms as first in firm to gain CMC Joint trade/profession bodies not pressing the leaders to have CMC Probably many others – tell us later of yours

Why address this now? Profession leaders seen as key to determining adoption and promotion of CMC Some countries adopting schemes to gain profession leaders with alternative entry route to CMC Many of these countries due soon for QA assessment. ICMCI is now working externally (EBRD, UN, ILO etc.) and should be representative of the whole profession

The proposal - general ICMCI accepts that a member country can have more than one assessment process for applicants to the CMC (see ACP rules). All assessment processes should be focussed on demonstrating possession of the competences as defined in the ICMCI standard The process for “profession leaders” should be reserved for a minority and not become the main route in any country

The proposal – a specific process Form a Reference Group Issue Invitation Shortened Application Client reference Peer Review meeting CMC award To include the following steps:- Reference group: senior professionals, members of repute and connections Stricter criteria, e.g. perhaps 10 years consulting experience Invitation: only to those reference group believe will be awarded CMC Application form tailored to the peer review process Client reference: more about ongoing relationship rather than specific assignments Peer review meeting; not an interview but a mutual peer discussion of matters consulting – Focus on the issues facing the profession – Atmosphere of mutual respect – Expectation of success (from initial review before invitation)

Next Steps Discussion here and feedback Trustees to discuss in own IMCs PSC to evaluate and refine the proposal Presentation at other Hub meetings Proposal to annual meeting in Jordan in September Trustee vote.

What do you think?