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Preparation and contracting

4 important questions on Preparation and contracting

Challenges of using the consultancy cycle approach:

-Each phase of the cycle varies in length and complexity depending on the nature of the change.
-Each of the phases may not be used in all consultancy assignments.
-Cycle assumes consultant will use the diagnosis to recommend solutions that are most appropriate to the client.
oBut consultants are likely to use standardized solutions.
-Rare for the same consultant to carry out the cycle from beginning to end

Areas to clarify during contracting

- Client identification
- Clarify the issues to be addressed
- Agree roles, responsibilities and accountabilities
- Confirm expectations
- Identify client readiness to change

3 types of client expectations

- Fuzzy expectations reflect a blurred idea about the outcome, clients don’t have a precise idea of what the change should be- Implicit expectations, elements of expectations are so self-evident that clients don’t consider them actively. So, consultants need to take a proactive approach, so expectations are made explicit
- Unrealistic expectations, clients view consultants as magicians

What is a psychological contract?

-Second part of the contract. Not documented.
-Agreement about the relationship, e.g. expectations and ground rules
oHow client and consultant will work together and communicate.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

consultancy, organizational development and change | 9780749478636 | Julie Hodges

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