The difference between a solid consulting job and a superior one is the ability to think strategically and frame the project in the context of the client's programs and priorities. For example, when I cover data at a congress, a mediocre report just lists out a bunch of data - long and hard to read! An excellent report organizes the data along the lines of the company's priorities (i.e., start with the most important data, frame descriptions to answer commonly asked questions, etc) and also includes some context that explains the impact of that data to the client's programs. A strategic report is easier for the client read and, more importantly, will be *used* when they make decisions. A mediocre report gets "filed in the email files" and may never even be read.

You need to keep in mind the longer term goals and purpose of the work you're doing to align the shorter term goals. This is key in determining program content, establishing partnerships - anything that your group is doing. You want to first determine what the strategic plan is, then communicate it with the team so we are all moving towards the same vision together. It helps with decision making and team motivation.