Successful Consulting Skills

WHO SHOULD ATTEND This skill-building workshop is designed for individuals who are engaged in helping organizations identify and carry-out desired changes. OVERVIEW This seminar is based on the steps of Flawless Consulting, a book authored by Peter Block. Participants will engage in a consulting simulation, as both the consultant and the client, which will enable them to learn and practice a consulting sequence and experientially increase consultative knowledge and skills. LEARNING CONTENT AREAS The delivery of the workshop content focuses on learning and developing consultative skills and then utilizing the newly learned skills in a practice setting. The first focus of this workshop centers on various theories of what a consultant is and what a consultant does. A review of more than eight recognizable roles that a consultant can take is also included early in the workshop. Seminar discussion is then devoted to identifying each of the twelve (12) Consulting Steps, demonstrating critical steps, and providing an opportunity to practice. Seminar participants are then divided into groups in order to practice a consulting simulation. Specific applications and discussion of consultant ethics, as well as the identification of tools, techniques, and tips to enhance consultations are covered on the final day of the workshop. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand and apply specific steps of the CONSULTING SEQUENCE Clarify and confirm expectations of both the client and the consultant Direct the process of needs assessment Practice for enhancement, the skills of contracting, interviewing, listening, idea recording and feedback, and guiding the process of action planning GENERAL COURSE CONTENT Stage One: - What consulting is and is not - What a consultant does - What are the benefits of using a consultative approach Stage Two: - How to consult Stage Three: - Practice consulting skills and apply to specific opportunities