Internal Consulting Skills Workshop
BackgroundTwenty years ago there were five books on consulting. Today there are over 500. Why? Consulting, a helping relationship that carries little authority, is a complex and important part of organizational life today. While external and internal consultants have much in common there are important differences. This program was developed in response to internal consultants’ questions about the boundaries of this challenging role and how to sustain effective relationships that deliver the desired results with and for their clients.
To be effective, internal consultants require more than technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. They require knowledge of a practical consultative process (a roadmap) and related tools to help navigate clients safely to their destination.
What's in this program for you? You will:- Be able to explain the value of what you can provide for the client
- Be aware of not only the variety of roles and styles consultants use, but the basis on which to choose the best roles for a given context.
- Understand the similarities and differences between internal and external consulting and to define consulting with clarity and conviction
- Have a roadmap that guides you in each of the stages of the consulting process as well as in every meeting you have with your client
- Acquire tools and techniques to help the client clearly identify the results they want you to help them achieve
- Discover a variety of strategies to address common challenges to completing the consulting agreement on time
- Gain insight into your strengths and areas for growth
- Have a takeaway manual with practical tips, tested tools and comprehensive checklists
- Small class size
- Highly interactive and participative
- Numerous opportunities to practice
- Structured feedback
- Approachable workshop leader
- Staff in organization development departments
- Staff in training and development departments
- Staff in human resource departments
- Corporate lawyers
- Accounting staff who develop policy/procedures
- IT staff who want to improve client relationships
- Sales staff taking a consultative approach
Quick Links
In-House Training
Public Workshops
Workshop Agenda
Introduction to Consulting Workshop- Content/Objectives/Agenda/Working style
- The Medium is the Message – Contracting in this Program
- Internal Consulting Vs. the Daily Routine, Vs. Managing, Vs. External Consulting
- Consulting Roles & Reciprocal Relationships
- The Roadmap – Consulting Process Model
- Asking Questions & Getting Answers
- Understanding the Presenting Problem
- Achieving Entry Objectives: Establishing Rapport, Getting to Collaboration, Expanding the Client’s Understanding, Further Data Gathering Discussion
- Developing a Shared Understanding: Why does the client want your help? What will be the results of a successful consultation? What might get in the way of achieving the results?
- Scoping the Project
- Negotiating the Initial Contract
- Strong Vs. Weak Contracts
- The Final Letter of Understanding
- Understanding Sources of Ambivalence
- Approaches to Ambivalence and Resistance
- Talking about the Client-Consultant Relationship
- Taking Care of Yourself
- Feedback Response