Flawless Consulting with Peter Block

Peter Block

“As an opening construct for how I want to influence clients, I start with the notion that what I’m hearing is their best version of what’s not going to take us anywhere.”

I had an opportunity to talk with Peter Block, author of the landmark book, Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used. For many of us, Block helped define how to effectively manage the client/consultant relationship for project success.

As Block has just released the third edition of Flawless Consulting, this seems a good time to ask him about his thoughts on how the professional services industry is evolving and what that means for service providers.

You can find out more about Peter Block, his books, and services at www.designedlearning.com and www.peterblock.com.

You might also be interested in my (print) interview, Peter Block: Being an Authentic Consultant.

Podcast Summary: The Consultant’s Goals

For each assignment, you should consider how to achieve four goals:

Establish a collaborative relationship. This permits maximum use of people’s resources—both the client’s and the consultant’s.

Solve problems so they stay solved. Help clients learn how to solve the problems that are likely to emerge once a solution is put into place.

Ensure attention is given to the technical/business problem and the relationships. Work with clients to address the underlying people and process issues of each problem.

Develop client commitment.Your impact will be driven by your ability to help your client commit to the solutions you’ve developed.

Adapted from Flawless Consulting, by Peter Block.