Humble Consulting

Apply your Curiosity

Learn about the art of Process Consultation by tracing the steps of Ed Schein through Case 3 in his classic book "Humble Consulting." You'll get to sit with a team of high powered executives in a computer company who have a difficult time sticking with their meeting agenda and tackling high priority items. You'll notice group dynamics, conflict styles, and more in as you agree to observe and consult around the team's process. In this Immersive Learning Circle you will join friends from around the world in applying humility as a "Way of Being" in your consulting engagements.

1. Recognize the importance of humility in the practice of organizational development (OD) and its impact on fostering effective client partnerships.
2. Cultivate a beginner's mind, embracing a mindset of curiosity and openness to new perspectives and possibilities, even when possessing expertise in a specific area.
3. Develop self-awareness to identify and let go of ego-driven behaviors and tendencies that may hinder the client's ownership of the solution.
4. Demonstrate active and empathetic listening skills, including the ability to suspend judgment and fully attend to the client's needs, concerns, and aspirations.
5. Practice setting aside personal expertise and preconceived notions, creating space for the client's unique knowledge and experiences to shape the solution.
6. Foster an environment of trust and psychological safety, allowing clients to openly express their ideas, challenges, and uncertainties without fear of judgment.
7. Enhance the capacity to ask powerful (seemingly basic) questions that encourage deeper exploration and reflection, enabling clients to uncover insights and take ownership of their solutions.
8. Develop the skill of reframing perspectives, stepping into the client's shoes to gain a deeper understanding of their context, values, and aspirations.
9. Foster a collaborative approach to problem-solving, actively involving clients in the co-creation of solutions and empowering them to make informed decisions.
10. Emphasize the importance of supporting the client's autonomy and building their capabilities, enabling them to sustain the implemented solutions beyond the consulting engagement.