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3rd out of 103 books
—
11 voters
Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used
by
Peter Block
The second edition of the "consultant's bible" is here
For over fifteen years, consultants--both internal and external--have relied on Peter Block's landmark bestseller, Flawless Consulting, to learn how to deal effectively with clients, peers, and others. Using illustrative examples, case studies, and exercises, the author, one of the most important and well known in his...more
For over fifteen years, consultants--both internal and external--have relied on Peter Block's landmark bestseller, Flawless Consulting, to learn how to deal effectively with clients, peers, and others. Using illustrative examples, case studies, and exercises, the author, one of the most important and well known in his...more
Hardcover, 400 pages
Published
September 28th 1999
by Pfeiffer & Company
(first published June 12th 1900)
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Basic Human Relations
As a contractor/consultant on my second long-term assignment, this title caught my eye and served for listening on the commute.
Overall I was impressed. Much of what is presented is common sense and deals with the simple themes of professional and personal integtity.
To put it simply, it focuses upon those things you can control as a consultant and provides a basis upon which to minimize the things you cannot control.
Success can only ultimately be measured by the things you co...more
As a contractor/consultant on my second long-term assignment, this title caught my eye and served for listening on the commute.
Overall I was impressed. Much of what is presented is common sense and deals with the simple themes of professional and personal integtity.
To put it simply, it focuses upon those things you can control as a consultant and provides a basis upon which to minimize the things you cannot control.
Success can only ultimately be measured by the things you co...more
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 find and implemen...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 find and implemen...more
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 my role as a co...more
I bought this book because I am an internal consultant. I had a coach challenge me to define my role as a co...more
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, recommending, assisting...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, recommending, assisting...more
So far so good, and I think this book is written for professionals who already have competencies for working with people in consulting. I also think if you want to read this book keep in mind this book has a companion book too! The Flawless Consulting Fieldbook & Companion A Guide To Understanding Your Expertise. Peter Block, who has focused attention on consulting skills, empowerment processes, and reclaiming our individuality.
As these books will guide a professional to know all the stages...more
As these books will guide a professional to know all the stages...more
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 consultant realize that chan...more
A general consulting book. This book has sections about industries such as management, technology, health care, and education. Because numerous industries are covered, the methods are more generalized than may be wanted for specific scenarios. For example, technology consulting requires some fairly fine tuned methodologies that stem from computer science disciplines and technological implementations. With that being said, learning how consulting in different disciplines and industries compare is...more
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.
"Recommended by my friend. He says it's an amazing book not only for consultants but for anyone that wants to share their expertise with others. The author is of the opinion that "you're consulting anytime you are trying to change or improve a situation but have no control over the implementation." Excellent Read. Ready to use the learnings! :)"
Contains valuable insight regarding some of the more difficult dynamics in client/consultant relationships. Practical and written with a light-hearted touch. Includes a chapter on internal consulting.
This is a powerful understanding of people, cultures and psychology at work... own on audible and listen to often... it's worth the knowledge space!
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.
This book was required reading for internal consultants in my company. An excellent book.
Read this years ago, and again for a college course I edited...love this guy.
Good reference book for consultants. Peter Block is a standard.
A tedious read, but very important information presented logically and completely.
straightforward and accessible; a good reference.
Authentic and realistic.
Practical
Read NOV 2001
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.
Concise, accessible, and relevant! Great reference book that reread frequently.
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.
This is actually a really useful book, although I wish there was more information about concluding the consulting relationship. Even if you're not officially a consultant, this has great tips for effectively managing a project over which you officially have no control.
Jun 06, 2010
Christyna
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
business-resources
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!
Nice and basic. Easy to read. Strong emphasis on the "soft-side" of consulting engagements and interaction with clients, as opposed to other books I've read which are more technical in nature.
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.
This book is really basic, which is good for peoples in different industries. Would have like to have read more procedural steps and processes
In a very easy and clear way, Block gives us a first approach on consulting in several industries, areas, etc. Very useful.
THE #1 book you should read if you want to become an effective consultant.
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