Specialist knowledge and practical experience provide the platform on which consultants build their credibility. But good consultants do not stop there: they use that credibility as a justification for having unambiguous, authoritative opinions. This is good news for clients, who have often found it difficult to pin consultants down to making definitive statements. Concerned to protect their liability, consultants can be too wary about making commitments, leaving clients themselves unsure what to do. Good consulting involves having the courage of your convictions; it means standing up to be counted.