Using Performance Profiling to Assess Consultant Effectiveness

Abstract

Despite its obvious value, the notion of assessing consultant effectiveness is not common practice nor is it well established as a research area in the field of Sport and Performance Psychology (SPP). Consultant effectiveness has been predominantly evaluated and chronicled by studying the characteristics (and behaviors) of successful mental performance consultants (MPCs). Although the vast majority of the performance profile (PP) literature highlights client-facing uses and benefits, the information presented herein outlines a novel practitioner-focused use and promising method of leveraging the PP procedure to gauge consultant effectiveness and provide MPCs with sensible informed guidance that can make a difference in the way that they evaluate themselves and their work. A case study is discussed to illustrate how the PP can be tailored to reflect evidence-based characteristics of effective consultants and how this feedback can benefit professional practice. Applied implications are outlined to provide MPCs practical guidance on how they can leverage the PP to appraise the quality of the working alliance and gain insight into their current consulting skillset to identify strengths and growth edges.