Flawless Consulting

An expert discussion of the timeless fundamentals and latest tools that form the foundation of successful influencing Renowned consultant and author Peter Block delivers the latest and fourth edition of his best-selling Flawless Consulting, an intuitive and insightful step-by-step guide to the five phases of effective consulting. The book offers a deep exploration of the skills, tools, and behaviors required to successfully influence others. You'll see exactly what you need to say and do to help others achieve their goals, whether you are an internal or external consultant or anyone in a leadership position who wants to build effective partnerships in business, healthcare, education, or community work. Along with newly updated examples, case studies, stories, and suggestions for putting the flawless consulting process into everyday practice, you'll find: * A new section for consultants living in a highly virtual world that explains how to achieve authentic engagement with your clients in virtual and hybrid environments * Invaluable information for leaders and internal consultants operating within their organizations * Concise and digestible techniques for successful contracting and discovery For over 40 years Flawless Consulting has been the go-to guide to building trust and structuring meaningful partnerships with others for greater influence and impact. This latest edition ensures that the book will remain the gold standard in the industry for many years to come.

PETER BLOCK is a bestselling author and veteran consultant who creates workplaces and communities that work for everyone. He is the founder of Designed Learning, a training company that offers workshops to build the skills outlined in his books.

Introduction: What is Enduring | What is New | Keeping it Simple xi Chapter 1 A Consultant by Any Other Name 1 Part 1 Fundamentals 11 Chapter 2 Techniques Are Not Enough 13 Chapter 3 Being Right-Really 25 Chapter 4 Flawless Consulting 41 Part 2 Entry and Contracting 53 Chapter 5 Contracting Overview 55 Chapter 6 The Contracting Meeting 69 Chapter 7 Some Nuances of Contracting 87 Chapter 8 Some Agonies of Contracting 97 Chapter 9 The Internal Consultant's Dilemma 117 Part 3 More Fundamentals 125 Chapter 10 Understanding Resistance 127 Chapter 11 Dealing with Resistance 145 Chapter 12 Technology: A Marriage of Myth, Convenience, and the Virtual Hour 155 Part 4 Discovery and Underlying Concerns 163 Chapter 13 From Diagnosis to Discovery 165 Chapter 14 Whole-System Discovery 177 Chapter 15 Discovering Gifts, Capacities, and Acting on What We Know 183 Part 5 Analysis and the Decision to Act 203 Chapter 16 Focusing on the Picture 205 Chapter 17 Preparing for Feedback 217 Chapter 18 Managing the Meeting for Action 225 Part 6 Engagement and Implementation 239 Chapter 19 Implementation 241 Chapter 20 The Structures of Engagement 249 Part 7 Extension, Recycle, or Termination 263 Chapter 21 Transformation Will Not Be Televised, Livestreamed, or Managed 265 Online Appendix: Handy Checklists You Can Use 275 Further Reading 277 Acknowledgments 279 About The Author 283 Index 285