We seek to solve problems together with our clients. Our efforts are collaborative, leveraging clients' knowledge of their business with our problem-solving and functional knowledge skills. Whenever appropriate, we ask that client personnel be made available to work with us as full- or part-time members of the engagement team. In our experience, important benefits result from this approach. First of all, the productivity of our consultants is multiplied and costs to the client are reduced, especially in the fact-finding phase of the engagement. Second, the commitment fostered by client personnel who take an active part enhances the likelihood of effective implementation. Finally, the training received by client personnel can be of future value, particularly when the engagement is one that might subsequently be applied to other units of the organization. For all these reasons, we have endeavored to perfect this participatory arrangement without losing our independence – one of the most important benefits we bring to a client.