The "Internal Consultant" Framework: Engineering Your Career Sprint by Sprint

The Sprint as a Contract: Earning Your Next "Gig" In a traditional job, you assume you’ll be there on Monday. In consulting, you’re only as good as your current engagement. Treat every two-week sprint as a fixed-term contract . The Statement of Work (SOW): Your Sprint Backlog isn't just a list of chores; it’s a legal agreement of deliverables. If you miss a deadline without communication, you’ve "breached" the contract. The "Rehire" Test: At the end of every sprint, ask yourself: If I had to pitch for the next two weeks of work based solely on my performance in the last two, would this "client" (my manager/PO) hire me? Reliability is the Product: Consultants get rehired because they remove uncertainty. Be the person whose "In Progress" column never hides a surprise. The Retro: Your Quarterly Business Review** Most people use Retrospectives to vent or stay silent. Use them as a Strategic Feedback Loop to improve relationships: Positive Feedback (The Value Add): Don’t just say "Good job,