Franz’s story
Franz works part-time as an associate principal and finds this balance has strengthened his consulting skills.
Looking to gain more personal balance, I began an 80 percent program in January 2006 as an engagement manager. I was actually the first person in the entire Mediterranean Complex to try out a part-time program! I invested time up front to make sure I had the support and buy-in of several partners in the office, and to ensure the reasons behind my choice where clear to my mentors.
“On part-time, it’s even more important to be focused on issue identification, ruthless in prioritization, and efficient in planning.”
I worked four days a week, usually taking Fridays off, but remained flexible about this arrangement. At the end of 2007, I was designated an associate principal, and I continue part-time at a 90 percent schedule, taking one day off every two weeks.
I found that, on part-time, it is even more important to go back to “Consulting 101”—in particular to be sharp, logical, and focused on issue identification; ruthless in prioritization; and efficient in work planning. In this respect, I think that being on a part-time program has strengthened my consulting skills.
My teams have told me that they appreciate this organization and the fact that they’ve avoided time crunches and rework when on my studies. And I think that having confidence about your performance and having good relationships with your teammates is important to make it easier to maintain the boundaries of a part-time program.