Focus on what makes for successful consulting with this practical, how-to-do-it guidebook. It applies to anyone who does consulting, even if you do...
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reviews
Apr 15, 2011
Shyamashree
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I have to admit that I really liked Peter Block's "Flawless Consulting". This book was originally written in 1978, and then revised in 1998. I expected the book to be dated and irrelevant, but it wasn't. The concepts that Block wrote about many years ago are still very much applicable today.
Having been a consultant for 6 years, I especially liked this book because it focuses on the style of consulting I like (or rather liked!) to do -- improving the capability of the client to f More...
Having been a consultant for 6 years, I especially liked this book because it focuses on the style of consulting I like (or rather liked!) to do -- improving the capability of the client to f More...
Aug 13, 2009
Brian
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Peter Block’s “Flawless Consulting Second Edition” is an outstanding book and I recommend it for anybody who is ever asked for advice. Consulting skills are not limited to people with a consultant title but anybody who helps others but has no authority over the outcome of their advice. Leaders, project managers, church elders, event planners, and many others will find benefit in this book.
I bought this book because I am an internal consultant. I had a coach challenge me to define More...
I bought this book because I am an internal consultant. I had a coach challenge me to define More...
Apr 21, 2011
Paul
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Peter Block, in "Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used," eloquently explores the roles that internal and external consultants both play: “The core transaction of any consulting contract is the transfer of expertise from the consultant to the client.”
“Most people in staff roles in organizations are really consultants, even if they don’t officially call themselves ‘consultants,’” Block maintains. “Staff people function in any organization by planning, re More...
“Most people in staff roles in organizations are really consultants, even if they don’t officially call themselves ‘consultants,’” Block maintains. “Staff people function in any organization by planning, re More...
May 20, 2010
Alex
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We read this for my consulting class. Block is particularly brilliant in managing the consultation meeting. His idea of the "collaborative consultant," as well as his framing of consultants as making an impact without control, are invaluable. We supplemented his "feedback meeting" by making it even more collaborative by asking the client at every turn if he is getting what he/she wants, rather than only asking at the 50% mark. This method ensures that both client and consulta
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Jan 15, 2008
Dan
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If you have the feeling that you go to work “bent over” and you don’t want to do that anymore, this book is for you. While it was written specifically for consultants, it has a much broader application. It is about maintaining our self-respect and dignity at work while demonstrating respect for other people.
This book provides detailed, step-by-step guidance on negotiating our role with the people who want our help. Most people act, to some extent, in a consulting role at work unless More...
This book provides detailed, step-by-step guidance on negotiating our role with the people who want our help. Most people act, to some extent, in a consulting role at work unless More...
Jun 08, 2011
Kara
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This book has a lot of great ideas and strategies to help any business professional who works in a partnership role. If you need to convince people to do things the way you want, but have no control over that actually happening, this is a must read. Some of it seems like common sense, but it's articulated in a way that makes you think about things in a new light. It's written textbook style, so don't expect a particularly riviting read, but the material makes the time worthwhile.
Jun 24, 2011
Joseph
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I just finished reading the 1982 version and as a non-consultant, I really liked the way this book lays out the logic for approaching just about any situation. The emphasis is on the process for communication and how to use that communication to achieve the results you are looking for. These are skills that serve anyone in just about any situation. I found the concepts practical, engaging and useful.
May 03, 2011
David7466
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It's pretty repetetive and I've only just begun. I think this is something that could have been condensed to a booklet or pamphlet.
Jan 04, 2012
Jerry
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This book was required reading for internal consultants in my company. An excellent book.
May 11, 2010
Laura
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Read this years ago, and again for a college course I edited...love this guy.
Dec 31, 2011
Loafingcactus
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A tedious read, but very important information presented logically and completely.
Dec 25, 2010
Kate
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It may look like any other business book on the outside, but Block goes above and beyond by covering the social and emotional aspects of working as a change agent who doesn't have direct control over implemention. His message will ring true for business consultants, non-profit sector folks, advocates, counselors and clergy.
If that sounds you, go read this book TODAY.
If that sounds you, go read this book TODAY.
Jun 06, 2010
EconGrrl
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I had a newer copy and found it invaluable to my practice. I lent it out two years ago and have only just replaced it with this score from Amazon's marketplace. I am looking forward to renewing my acquaintance with this book!
Dec 15, 2011
Meredith
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I'm always hard-pressed to find value in qualitative books about business "soft skills." However, I did appreciate the focus on remaining authentic with clients.
Jun 15, 2011
Tom
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THE #1 book you should read if you want to become an effective consultant.
Feb 10, 2012
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