An expert discussion of the timeless fundamentals and latest tools that form the foundation of successful influencing

Renowned consultant and author Peter Block delivers the latest and fourth edition of his best-sellingFlawless Consulting, an intuitive and insightful step-by-step guide to the five phases of effective consulting. The book offers a deep exploration of the skills, tools, and behaviors required to successfully influence others. You'll see exactly what you need to say and do to help others achieve their goals, whether you are an internal or external consultant or anyone in a leadership position who wants to build effective partnerships in business, healthcare, education, or community work.

Along with newly updated examples, case studies, stories, and suggestions for putting the flawless consulting process into everyday practice, you'll find:

For over 40 yearsFlawless Consulting has been the go-to guide to building trust and structuring meaningful partnerships with others for greater influence and impact. This latest edition ensures that the book will remain the gold standard in the industry for many years to come.

PETER BLOCK is a bestselling author and veteran consultant who creates workplaces and communities that work for everyone. He is the founder of Designed Learning, a training company that offers workshops to build the skills outlined in his books.

Introduction: What is Enduring | What is New | Keeping it Simple xi

Chapter 1 A Consultant by Any Other Name 1

Part 1 Fundamentals 11

Chapter 2 Techniques Are Not Enough 13

Chapter 3 Being RightReally 25

Chapter 4 Flawless Consulting 41

Part 2 Entry and Contracting 53

Chapter 5 Contracting Overview 55

Chapter 6 The Contracting Meeting 69

Chapter 7 Some Nuances of Contracting 87

Chapter 8 Some Agonies of Contracting 97

Chapter 9 The Internal Consultant's Dilemma 117

Part 3 More Fundamentals 125

Chapter 10 Understanding Resistance 127

Chapter 11 Dealing with Resistance 145

Chapter 12 Technology: A Marriage of Myth, Convenience, and the Virtual Hour 155

Part 4 Discovery and Underlying Concerns 163

Chapter 13 From Diagnosis to Discovery 165

Chapter 14 Whole-System Discovery 177

Chapter 15 Discovering Gifts, Capacities, and Acting on What We Know 183

Part 5 Analysis and the Decision to Act 203

Chapter 16 Focusing on the Picture 205

Chapter 17 Preparing for Feedback 217

Chapter 18 Managing the Meeting for Action 225

Part 6 Engagement and Implementation 239

Chapter 19 Implementation 241

Chapter 20 The Structures of Engagement 249

Part 7 Extension, Recycle, or Termination 263

Chapter 21 Transformation Will Not Be Televised, Livestreamed, or Managed 265

Online Appendix: Handy Checklists You Can Use 275

Further Reading 277

Acknowledgments 279

About The Author 283

Index 285