I have somebody more Senior than me that is trying to majorly pad a change order for the client to boost their numbers. I’m not talking about adding an extra buffer for potential overages, I’m talking about a whole extra team that the client does not need and my counterpart “in the trenches” has said as much (and I agree with) when we did our quarterly capacity planning exercise. I voiced the concern and it was dismissed. I think it will hurt us with the client. How do I address this?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

If the client doesn’t want it, they will make him/her change it, so it will resolve itself.

If you’re concerned about the client being turned off my a bigger change order than they anticipated, all you can do is say that and explain why. Team, I spoke with client yesterday and they told me their expectation is $x. We are double that. I’m concerned they will take this as us not listening. Hopefully the person will listen realizing that by doing otherwise, they will shoot themselves in the foot and damage the relationship.

likehelpful

You did address, and it was dismissed. Sit back

like

You are out of your league, perhaps.

likefunny

No, I’m not, that’s the thing.

For me, I think there are multiple aspects to view it from and in true consultant format, the answer of what to do is "it depends". I think it's one thing to pad the number with a team that is going to be doing work (valuable or not is in the eyes of the client) and it's up to partner to decide to include it/sell it and the client to decide if they find value in that work and want to pay for it; if this is the case, I think you've done your part about raising the concern and the potential impact it may have on the client relationship. It's a different story to truly pad the change order to cover resources that aren't part of the delivery team/not doing work on the client and the client doesn't know this, in this scenario I would escalate the concern.

like

How much more senior? Is it the GRP? If not does the GRP know?

Other thought to consider. If you’re on a major account, sometimes both consulting/client leaders will pad an extra team under one portion of the sow because the clients internal budgeting rules slotted the money there. In these cases there is likely a handshake agreement that the team will actually be used on another activity. This work may not be visible to you or your “in the trenches” counter part but is handled at a higher level. Be sure to air your concerns in the right time/place.

If you are a partner, then push back more firmly.

Mind your business

You did your part by advising on what was needed. Now let the partner do their job and align on a business deal. Fighting the partner or bringing in the professional standards team of pwc likely has 0 ROI for you. If the change order isn't signed, it doesn't sound like you'll be blamed. And this could be a negotiation tactic to arrive at a discount or normal sized team or something else later. Wait and see.

Related Posts

Hi Folks,

Did anybody in CTS land in Canada with a work permit raised from the project ?

On a project with higher level teams, and my partner and I can’t seem to crack the brief or keep up. Can anyone else relate? Will it always feel this way?

like

Need advice. I have a client who just can't stop getting in their own way. They push us to turn a document quickly (in this case, an LPA for a new fund), and then take weeks to review, following up with a 50-page chart setting forth the LPA sections and detailed questions/comments. I can't keep anyone on this client because their process is so brutally and unnecessarily time-consuming, and I can't keep pulling all-nighters just trying to respond to all the questions. What do I do?

like

Hi Nagarrians, it's been 45 days now since I joined Nagarro I was assigned a team at the time of joining but since then I am waiting for interview to take place. Is this normal procedure? Although from day 2 my project manager asked me to fill the timesheet corresponding to one project which is no billable. I am having concerns now as I don't know if this is normal ?

like

All of my experience is in supply chain (inventory management). I am looking into pivoting into project management. I have zero experience. What types of roles should I be looking for? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

like
like

Are backpacks acceptable to bring to a client? Late 20s manager. Thinking about purchasing one of the below... like the first one better. Thoughts?

Post Photo
likefunny

Hi Folks,
Need suggestion,
I have given an interview on HSBC, When I got first call from HR I discussed expected CTC 30 LPA and HR agreed to it but during final round with project hiring manager they said maximum they can provide is 27 LPA.
Should I accept the offer?
What is Annual Bonus and Increment?

Exp: 9 years
CCTC: 20 LPA
Position: Senior Avaloq Developer

like

Hello everyone.. i have been rolled out of a project recently. I need to submit my client laptop via courier. Please help me with the policy of reimbursement related to this. Thanks

Hi Folks , I resigned from infy and i m not been logging on the client VDI from last 10days approx ,now SPM was talking about my billing , so will it impact my FNF ? Are they going to cut my salary for those 10 days ?

like

Looking for a full-time Salesforce Technical Lead! This is a hands-on, remote developer role leading client projects. Reach out to me if you know anyone who might be interested!

like

Hi everyone! I recently transitioned from a technical project manager role to an integrations product manager role. I am loving this so much more than project management and I’m very eager to learn more! I was curious what are some of the best books,articles, courses that have helped you grow the most? And do you have any other tips and recommendations for someone just starting out in this career path?

Thank you in advance!

like

Best recommendation of a nice restaurant in mid-town to take a client for Lunch?

like

How do you keep all of your notes-to-self organized? Not actual work product or drafts, but the kinds of things you jot down in meetings or as you’re working (e.g., “client prefers DE choice of law over NY” or “x agreement is best example of negotiated MSA”). I’m using OneNote, but I’m curious how others do it.

Bonus points if you have ADHD and you use this type of thing as a lifeline 🙃

like

How much travel would you consider to be reasonable on a daily basis for a client?

likesmart

I’m helping to implement Zycus at a client, anyone here have experience with Zycus?

like

I have a tech background and only know bits about business owners. What are your views on the better target audiences at the beginning and how did you guys manage to gain your first client?

like

Good morning, hope everyone is having a great week! Does anyone have any advice on breaking into an analyst role? I am currently a Senior Customer Success Manager, with a background in Operations/Process and Project Management as well. I have always enjoyed the analysis pieces of my roles and would love to expand my skills to show how qualified for a position in data analytics. Thank you in advance for the help!

like

Women in the ad world: When a client who is more senior than you says something sexist and offensive in a meeting how would you respond? Do you confront the situation or move on to save your job?

My boss asked me to take care of some of the details of a project for her—the stuff that isn't really my area of expertise. And now I feel like a shirker because I haven't been able to finish them yet.

like

More Posts

Any gay managers looking for a gay analyst? 🙃

like

So how do you balance it when you have a job leader and a unit commander who are both dicks about working with you to help balance the two commitments?

I got to know someone thru work, and flirted a bit over 1 week. Then we never spoke again because of work geography. He reached out this week after 9 months+ asking for a visa sponsor to take a vacay in my country (given mobility restriction these days), and asked me to hook him up with a business visa referral letter thru my connections. He also said he’s coming with gf. I said im happy to write him a personal reference letter, but wont be able to get him a business one. Is this rude?

like
like

Hey guys, rather basic bordering on dumb question. In case of Change of Status, is there any circumstance in which it would be necessary to get a stamping done at a foreign embassy? I am more than half way into my first 3 year term and I haven't flown abroad even once, mostly thanks to covid.

like

Will Deloitte USI mandatorily call employees back to office from June? I want to switch my location from Bangalore to Kolkata. Anyone who can help me with the same?

like

My fashion is in such a rut. I’m wearing the same basic clothes every day. Trying to pay down a lot of debt so I just don’t have a lot of disposable income to buy new clothes. (Continued)

Anyone heard of Incture Technology?

What kind of Masters program would you recommend for someone hoping to make it into a senior leadership/executive role in Comms/PR? I have over 6 yrs of experience in Comms in public/private sector. However, I haven't had any formal education in Comms/Journalism which I have felt always put me at a disadvantage. My question is, is there an advantage of doing a Masters to improve my chances of getting into a leadership role? If so, would an MBA be better than a Masters in PR/Comms?

like

Really struggling to decide whether we should have a third child. Any advice from those that have made this decision?

like

Hello Fishes, I'm looking for a job change. I'm PMO Analyst with 3 years of experience. I have Google project management, GCP PCA and GCP ACE certifications. I'm also working on getting CAPM certification.

Do comment if you have a opening in your organization.

like

What’s the senior 1 Assurance salary in DC for your firm?

Are the six sigma certs actually worth it to do?

like

Hi Team, Any thoughts about executuve MBA? Is it good for our careers?

like

Has anyone ever taken any of the classes through the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI)? Just wondering if they're worth it.

likehelpful

Before kids i was high-maintenance, but kids and EY made me tired exhausted woman, but I’m just 35! So i took a week off, kids are with my mom and I have a week to remedy. What could be my must haves for just one week. Haircut, mani pedi, massage is a must, but what else - want to do something for body and face - what are your favs? Want to wake up my sexy stunning woman locked inside mom and auditor.

like

What’s everyone drinking right now?

like

Second time interviewing with Google. Anyone have tips that helped them be successful for the interviews?

like

Feeling a sharp tinging pain in left lower abdomen. It’s my first trimester. Have my OB visit next week, but between then and now has anyone encountered it?
FYI - I had something similar before I got pregnant. Was on vacations and planned to get it checked on return but it went away by the time I returned so never got it checked.

like
like

Additional Posts in Consulting

Has anyone taken one of those online executive courses, like the Harvard Extension School offers? Looking to use my $5k of tuition reimbursement and already have an MBA. Worth it? Best programs?

like

At what point, if any, do you consider yourself “too old” to go for MBA. If you already made $150-200k+ would you still consider?

Also, for those of you who went that route, what materials did you use to prepare

like

Why do people hate checking in their bag? I can reach the gate about 15 minutes before departure since I don’t have to fight for space and I can carry any amount of liquids in it. Feels like a win

like

Just got an Apple Watch and kinda meh about it. I miss my Fitbit. Anyone else love/hate theirs?

like

Is it really bad if you renege an offer after you've received some of the relocation reimbursement, if you just don't pay them back, are you technically reliable? The offer is at will right.

like

I can’t take serious any consultant who uses their free work laptop bag. Partner or Analyst. Get your money out! I have no respect for you.

like

May be a stupid question..but how well does the internet work if you buy it on the plane? Flying AA

like

Serious Question: Why is it that people want kids? Trying to wrap my head and understand.

like

What makes a manger a good manager from a client perspective and those managed under the manager?

like

A bowl for "thirsty" consultants on travel a good idea or nah? Kind of like that movie about an elite hook up ring for working professionals who don't have time to date

like

Has any of you had any luck joining another firm as a partner while not being one at your current firm?

like

Few things better than a Friday when you can just roll out of bed and walk two steps to the hotel desk to work, while I wait for room service bacon and waffles!

like

Even though this project is a shit show and am fighting depression, it's comforting to watch the clouds as we pass by, and realize that this will pass. I will be stronger today and so will you ✈️❤️🙃⛅

like

Do you guys tip for restaurant takeout?

like

Trying to get to the grocery store this morning was a bad idea #workingremoteproblems

like

Any cool speak easy/cocktail nyc bars that take reservations?

like

2017 raises and bonuses at ey

like

I have a BA in business communication is consulting for me?

like

How do I get a free NYT subscription?

I'm looking for a referral at A&M. Can someone please help?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal