Comparing Bolman & Deal and Block on Consulting Practice
This paper compares Lee Bolman and Terrance Deal's Reframing Organizations (2017) with Peter Block's Flawless Consulting (2011), examining how each book approaches organizational consulting. The essay identifies shared emphases on effective communication, relationship-building, and awareness of personal bias, while distinguishing the books by their scope: Bolman and Deal provide broad organizational frameworks, whereas Block focuses on the interpersonal and emotional dimensions of client work. Drawing on both texts and supporting research, the paper distills three practical tools for consultants—humor, reframing, and feedback—and explains how each contributes to more open, objective, and productive consulting engagements.
- Introduction: Introduces both books and their shared focus
- Similarities and Differences Between the Two Books: Compares communication, bias, and organizational versus interpersonal scope
- Useful Points for Working With a Team: Three practical consulting lessons drawn from both texts
- Conclusion: Synthesizes humor, reframing, and feedback as consulting tools
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What makes this paper effective
- Balances comparison and synthesis by first identifying shared themes across both texts before distinguishing them by scope and philosophy, giving the argument a clear two-stage structure.
- Grounds general claims in specific textual evidence, citing page numbers and secondary sources (e.g., Bouwmeester, 2013; Dane & Pratt, 2007) to support points about humor and cognitive frameworks.
- The conclusion moves beyond summary to define and justify each consulting tool—humor, reframing, and feedback—showing why they matter in practice rather than simply restating what the books say.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates comparative analysis across two scholarly sources. Rather than summarizing each book separately, it organizes the discussion around thematic categories (communication, bias awareness, organizational focus), which allows the reader to see meaningful intellectual connections and contrasts between the two frameworks simultaneously.
Structure breakdown
The essay follows a four-part structure: a brief introduction that frames the comparison; a body section covering both similarities (communication, bias awareness) and differences (organizational vs. interpersonal focus); a practical applications section extracting three actionable consulting lessons; and a conclusion that synthesizes the three key tools—humor, reframing, and feedback—with explanations of their consulting value. References follow APA format throughout.
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.
References
Block, P. (2011). Flawless consulting: A guide to getting your expertise used. Jossey-Bass.
Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2017). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership. Jossey-Bass.
Bouwmeester, O. (2013). Consultant jokes about managing uncertainty: Coping through humor. International Studies of Management & Organization, 43(3), 41–57.
Dane, E., & Pratt, M. G. (2007). Exploring intuition and its role in managerial decision-making. Academy of Management Review, 32, 33–54.
Simon, H. A., & Chase, W. G. (1973). Skill in chess. American Scientist, 61(4), 394–403.
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