Humor and Feedback in Consultations

Consulting

Introduction

Lee Bolman and Terrance Deal's (2017) "Reframing Organizations" and Peter Block's (2011) "Flawless Consulting" are both books that focus on the practice of consulting in organizations. Both authors present frameworks and strategies for working with teams in organizational settings. However, they do so in both similar and different ways.

Similarities and Differences

One similarity between the two books is that both authors stress the importance of effective communication and relationship-building when working with teams. Bolman and Deal discuss the importance of understanding different perspectives and building trust with clients, while Block emphasizes the importance of active listening and building rapport.

Another similarity is that both authors discuss the importance of being aware of one's own biases and assumptions when working with teams. Bolman and Deal discuss the importance of "reframing" one's perspective in order to better understand and work with different stakeholders, while Block emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's own assumptions and "blind spots" when working with clients.

One major difference between the two books is that Bolman and Deal's "Reframing Organizations" is more focused on the overall structure and functioning of organizations, while Block's "Flawless Consulting" is more focused on the specific practice of consulting, on dealing with people and their emotions. Bolman and Deal provide frameworks for understanding and working with different types of organizations, while Block provides strategies for working with clients and facilitating effective change. For example, Bolman and Deal cite Dane and Pratt (2007) to emphasize the role that frameworks play, and they also refer to Simon and Chase (1973) to show the link between thinking like a chess master and reframing and organization with the right framework. Block (2011) on the other hand pays attention “to the emotional and personal dimensions of our workplaces” (p. xviii). Block (2011) for instance shows show humor can be useful in consulting because it brings people back to earth and reduces stress, which is something other researchers have shown as well in other studies (Bouwmeester, 2013).

Useful Points

In terms of useful points when working with a team, one point from Bolman and Deal's book would be to understand different perspectives and build trust with clients. This is important because it allows the consultant to better understand the needs and concerns of the team and address them in a more effective way. Another point from Block's book would be to actively listen and build rapport with clients by using humor to gain their trust, reduce stress and apprehension, and break the ice that may exist between strangers. This is important because it helps to establish trust and understanding, which is crucial for effective communication and collaboration. A third point from both books would be to be aware of one's own biases and assumptions, and take steps to "reframe" or challenge them. Bolman and Deal talk a good deal about cognitive bias and why it is important to challenge one’s own assumptions. Block puts in a word about bias as well and suggests that interviewing can be a form of joint discovery as it helps bring information into the light where it can be seen without bias. Feedback is always an important part of consulting, for that reason (Block, 2011). This is important because it allows the consultant to approach the work with greater objectivity and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Lee Bolman and Terrance Deal in Reframing Organizations and Peter Block in Flawless Consulting have different ways of presenting facts and they also have different philosophies as they relate to consulting. But there are also some similarities. Ultimately the books show that humor, reframing, and feedback are all important tools that can be used in consulting to help clients and teams navigate difficult situations and achieve their goals. Humor can be useful in consulting because it can help to lighten the mood and create a more relaxed and open environment. This can make it easier for clients and teams to communicate openly and honestly, which is crucial for effective problem-solving and decision-making. Humor can also help to build rapport and trust with clients, which is essential for building effective working relationships. Reframing is the process of changing the way a problem or situation is viewed in order to find new solutions or approaches. It can be useful in consulting because it allows the consultant to help the client see a problem in a different light, which can lead to new insights and solutions that were not previously considered. Reframing can also help to shift negative or limiting beliefs and attitudes that may be preventing the client from making progress. And feedback is the process of providing information to clients and teams about their performance or behavior in order to help them improve. It can be useful in consulting because it allows the consultant to help the client identify areas where they need to improve and take action to make positive changes. Feedback can also help to build trust and accountability, as clients and teams are more likely to take responsibility for their actions when they receive regular, honest, and respectful feedback. All three can be useful tools in consulting because they can help to create a more relaxed and open environment, shift negative or limiting beliefs and attitudes, and help clients and teams identify areas where they need to improve.