Flawless Consulting - 4th Edition by Peter Block (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The fundamentals of the flawless consulting process have not changed. Through a step-by-step walk through of the five phases of consulting: Entry and Contracting, Discovery and Dialogue, Analysis and Decision to Act, Engagement and Implementation, and Extension, Recycle or Termination, Peter Block will engage in a deeper and contemporized discussion of the skills and behavior required for success. For example, there is new attention to convening skills, to the importance and process for peer contracting, and to questions to take the consultant/client relationship to a deeper level. As in previous editions, Block will tell the reader exactly what to say and how to act to consult flawlessly at each stage of the process. The 4th edition will feature: ? Restructuring the chapter on the contracting meeting into three shorter, more digestible chapters to make them easier to navigate and put into practice depending on how the consulting project was initiated (Asked In, Sent In, Want In) ? A new chapter titled ?Being Right??Really? giving more attention to the interpersonal aspect of the relationship consultants have with the client and exploring a set of beliefs about relationships, learning, and the nuances of how change occurs that ultimately define the consultant?s practice. ? A new chapter titled ?The Internal Consultant?s Dilemma? offering additional depth and nuance on recommended ways for internal consultants to consult flawlessly ? A separate chapter on virtual consulting skills titled ?The Technology: A Marriage of Reality and Myth,? which speaks to how to manage the business of the flawless consulting phases if you are never in the same room with anyone and how to humanize virtual engagements. ? Expanded, deeper discussion in the last chapter of ?The Final Question Is One of Faith,? the idea being that practicing flawless consulting is counter cultural and it can take an act of courage to change the conversations along the way"

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

PRAISE FOR Flawless Consulting, Fourth Edition

"In this new edition, Peter Block further refines his unique offering of frameworks and practical guidance for facilitating transformation (and creating health) in human systems. Peter is a sage advisor, artfully demonstrating how to cultivate change based on invitations, authenticity, engagement, and respect. What is notable is continued movement beyond diagnosis and intervention, toward an intentionally generative approach in which the new emerges through collaborative co-creation--the same remarkable shift that my colleagues and I are striving to advance and understand in healthcare."
--PAUL N. UHLIG, MD, MPA, FACS, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Kansas Medical Center, Andover, Kansas

"Peter Block's Fourth Edition of Flawless Consulting is the same invaluable treasure-trove of consulting insights, values, steps, checklists, and thoughtful questions that were in earlier versions. But the latest edition has incorporated the new realities of working virtually, conducting key steps with clients online, and updated thoughts on the power of strength-based approaches to addressing deep problems. This revised classic continues to be a 'must-read' for those new to consulting, and a 'must-reread' for those of us who thought we were doing well, but now realize there are numerous ways to improve. If you are a consultant of any type, at any level of experience, you will find old and new wisdom here to lift up your practice, engage effectively, and serve clients with more impact."
--SETH R. SILVER, Ed.D., President, Silver Consulting, Inc; Co-author of Meaningful Partnership at Work

"I first encountered Flawless Consulting years ago as a mid-level HR generalist. The HR function at my employer was struggling with partnering and execution challenges across departments. Flawless Consulting introduced terminology and tools to navigate misaligned HR service delivery expectations and strained relationships. Fast forward to the digital age and this program is as relevant as ever. Bots and data analytics aren't solving human interface opportunities--Flawless Consulting does."
--WALLY KUHNS, President, WK Leader Solutions, Encinitas, CA

About the Author

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.