I agree with the comments made about the Nine Books Every Consultant Must Read, so let’s add a tenth book to the list: Peter Block’s Flawless Consulting. Block’s perspectives on the business of consulting remain as relevant today as they were when he published the first edition of Flawless Consulting in 1981.
In an interview I did with Block for Management Consulting News, I asked him to elaborate on the traits of an authentic consultant, one of the key concepts in his book. Block replied that, “Authentic behavior is simply the willingness to be who you are and to tell the truth. This is the consultant’s most powerful tool for building client trust and commitment. Many consultants try to be too clever in communicating with their clients, seeking to convince clients to their point of view.”
Thanks for the feedback. Block’s book is a classic.
Posted by Michael McLaughlin at January 20, 2005 03:16 PM | TrackBackYes! An excellent, easy to read book that is a must for all consultants. Used it as a text in a mgt. consultant class I taught at Emory University and even undergrads were able to quickly grasp sophisticated concepts.
Posted by: Toby at January 26, 2005 10:03 PMI like Peter’s (Block) idea of making a firm more personal and less corporate. In one section of the book he talks about putting a sofa and some standing lamps into the boardroom. Rightfully, he compares a professional firm to a family and the boardroom to a living room, where actual living takes place.
And while I use some tough military disciplines with my clients, I also do my best to instil the family atmosphere, so they really feel at home in a way.
And a family is a functional family because each member does his/her best to advance the “whole”, while the “whole” supports each member. Just like a healthy firm. When I see a firm achieve this status, then I feel my purpose as a consultant is fulfilled.
Cheers
Tom
Posted by: Tom 'Bald Dog' Varjan at March 7, 2005 06:55 PM