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 field, offers his legendary warmth and insight throughout this much-awaited second edition. Anyone who must communicate in a professional context--and who doesn't?--will use the lessons taught in this book for years to come!

"Who would have thought the 'consultant's bible' could be improved upon? Count on Peter Block--the consulting profession's very own revolutionary--to push us to confront and struggle with the paradoxes inherent in our work."

--Candace Thompson, organization development consultant, First Chicago NBD--A Bank One Company

"Block has distilled years of experience into a wise, down-to-earth, and eminently practical guide to excellence in consulting. If you are new to the practice, Flawless Consulting will chop years off your learning cycle. And even if you're an old pro, Block's insights will elevate you to new levels of effectiveness. Flawless Consulting is not simply about becoming a better consultant; it is about using consulting as a path toward becoming a better person."

--Barry Oshry, president, Power &Systems, Inc.; author of Seeing Systems and Leading Systems

This is the much-awaited second edition of a 15-year-old classic, with new chapters on whole systems delivery, implementation, and ethics and the shadow side of consulting, plus updated information on preparing for feedback. Suggestions are presented in a reader-friendly layout with humor and b&w cartoons, as well as examples, case studies, exercises, and checklists. The author founded two well-known training firms, and has been a consultant and speaker to governments, businesses, and communities around the world for the past 30 years.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"Who would have thought the 'consultant's bible' could be improved upon? Count on Peter Block -the consulting profession's very own revolutionary-to push us to confront and struggle with the paradoxes inherent in our work." (Candace Thompson, organization development consultant, First Chicago NBD - A Bank One Company)

"The first question to ask any consultants: Have you read Peter Block's Flawless Consulting? If they say no, don't hire them. Peter Block's advice is flawless!" (Barry Z. Posner, dean and professor of leadership, Leavey School of Business, co-author of The Leadership Challenge and Encouraging the Heart)

"Block has distilled years of experience into a wise, down-to-earth, and eminently practical guide to excellence in consulting. If you are new to the practice, Flawless Consulting will chop years off your learning cycle. And even if you're an old pro, Block's insights will elevate you to new levels of effectiveness. Flawless Consulting is not simply about becoming a better consultant; it is about using consulting as a path toward becoming a better person." (Barry Oshry, president, Power &Systems, Inc., author of Seeing Systems and Leading Systems)

"For external and internal consultants alike, Peter Block provides the roadmap to travel what always seems like unchartered terrain. The power behind Peter's work lies not only in the compass he provides but in helping us see how truly a forceful and powerfulinfluence one person can be." (Jack Lerner, vice-president of organization development &learning, The CIT Group)

--Barry Oshry, president, Power & Systems, Inc.; author of Seeing Systems and Leading Systems

"Flawless Consulting" has been the consultant's bible for over 15 years. The book actually describes and demonstrates ways of behaving with clients. This new edition includes illustrative examples, case studies, exercises, and commentary on pitfalls. It demonstrates the concepts of consultant integrity and interpersonal dynamics. Readers acquire such groundbreaking and influential ready access to ideas that "flawless consulting" has been established as a catch phrase among professionals.

PETER BLOCK is the president of Peter Block Company and also Designed Learning. Peter is a well-known and respected speaker and consultant, with clients all over the world, including Arthur Anderson, and Ford Motor Corporation. He received his master's degree in industrial administration from Yale University. He lives in Mystic, Connecticut.

A Consultant by Any Other Name . . .

Techniques Are Not Enough.

Flawless Consulting.

Contracting Overview.

The Contracting Meeting.

The Agonies of Contracting.

The Internal Consultant.

Understanding Resistance.

Dealing with Resistance.

From Diagnosis to Discovery.

Getting the Data.

Whole Systems Discovery.

Preparing for Feedback.

Managing the Feedback Meeting.

Implementation.

Strategies of Engagement.

Some Tools for Engagement.

Ethics and the Shadow Side.

The Heart of the Matter.

Another Checklist You Can Use.

Suggestions for Further Reading.

Acknowledgements.

About the Author.