In this vlog, @lornerubis and I talk about how perspectives need to change around contractors/consultants and their work with organizations.

The booming “gig economy” has increased both the visibility and impact contractors have overall. Leaders, employees, and contractors all can see that companies are hiring for short-term assignments at a phenomenal pace, but does everyone see how to benefit from it?

In this case, we’re speaking to how an organization’s leadership engages with consultants or contractors. In my 13+ years of assignment-based consulting, I’ve found one of the most challenging aspects involves making an immediate contribution. To add deep value, I need to see the broader strategic goals of the business unit or organization so I can use my talents most effectively and efficiently.

As leaders, we need to recognize that contract and freelance work has come a long way from the old school idea that these workers can’t stick with jobs. While contracting has become popular for its flexibility, many of these individuals genuinely want to provide value and find work that brings purpose.

Leaders need to reduce the barriers that might prevent consultants/contractors from making valuable and significant contributions. As a good first step, consider that nothing is permanent, so everyone works a “tour of duty” and has assignments based on the organization’s needs. From there, find ways to help everyone achieve the best results for their assignments.

While the gig economy may not suit all of us, we all want to contribute to better work, no matter how we do the work.

Here are the takeaways from this episode:

  1. Everyone contributes, regardless of old school definitions of part-time, full-time, contract, and consultant work.
  2. Even full-time work breaks down into assignments, so contractors should get the same treatment as an employee receiving an assignment.
  3. Giving contractors the big picture of your company and its goals can give them more opportunities to provide value in other ways.

Here’s to disrupting sameness and achieving #betterwork.

Lynette