DISCUSSION 5.1

The feedback cycle starts with communication between the consultant and the client  The consultant will conduct a meeting where he or she will discuss the data collected and discuss the meaning of those findings. “After the data analysis phase, the feedback phase normally allows the consultant organization the ability to discuss the findings with the client and develop a verbal presentation. The verbal presentation is provided and a written report is also provided” (Argosy, 2018).  Both parties will then discuss and collaborate on goal for the organizations. Recommendation from the consultant will follow. 

            As the client who works with consultants, I can honestly say that there are times where I have been hesitant or resistiveness towards the feedback that I receive from them.  My personal restiveness as a Director stems from the fact that these consultants are not around enough to gather accurate data and the data that is collect is sometimes subjective instead of objective. The consultants usually do not schedule a time to meet with me and will more often than not pop in my office and ask to speak with me. It would definitely help if the consultants scheduled a specific time to meet as days at the center can be chaotic for myself and staff. The data or information gathered by the consultants or their assistance are sometimes shared but often the information is not. The consultants will briefly state what they have observed but will not go into detail unless I specifically ask for additional information. The consultants will then share their ideas and recommendations with out discussion. 

Now that I have acquired knowledge from my academic classes and grown professionally, I am able to intervene and assert that working together versus delegating their recommendations is absolutely necessary. One of the consultants responded favorable to this and the other consultant took this personally and is finally coming around to this idea. The working relationship between the consultant who was open to working together has always been solid and positive. However, the relationship between the consultant who disliked and was not primarily on board with working together created an uneasy working relationship. The development of a strong working relationship is important as we have learned from previous modules. The foundation of consultancy and “training itself is defined, and even whether it is a part of the wider organizational identity and communications. As consultants, in addition to helping to impart professional knowledge, our role is to adapt the style of working to suit each clients' specific requirements” (Marks, T., 2013)

            Quality feedback starts with the consultant setting up a meeting to discuss the data collected. The consultant should allow the client to ask questions, or delve deeper into the information that was discussed. Thus allowing the client to feel apart of the conversation in a collaborative way. This should also help with minimizing the potential for restiveness towards the consultants feedback. The consultant should then discuss recommendations offering the client a options to pursue regarding necessary changes. Together, both will decided on the best course of action for the benefit of the organization as a whole.

According to our online reading from our book, it states that a consultant should let the “resistance blow itself out, like a storm, and not to fight it head-on. The most effective way to encourage the client to be authentic is for the consultant to also behave authentically” (Block,2011). While managers and clients can experience restiveness reactions toward feedback and  consultant recommendations, consultants should take head that this can be  feeling that will dissipate overtime. Consultants should always utilize their effective communicative skills. Communicate with the client and ensure that you are not coming off in a condescending tone. Open communication is always a great way to keep a working relationship strong.  Another strategy would be to work collaboratively with the client as much as possible. Allowing the client to be apart of the process helps the client to understand your stance as a consultant as well as understanding the purpose of your intent.  Lastly, presentation is key. Professionalism is important and do not take it personally if there are unwelcome reactions to the purposed changes. Be prepared to discuss in detail the intent, purpose and reasoning supporting your recommendations to the client.