discussion 7.2

          The first strategy that the author feels has a significant influence is that consultancy is simply a business in relationships.  The goal may be to produce a product (whether that is a literal product, or improve a process, etc) but, it is to build a sense of connection and community with all people involved.  Through collaboration, teamwork, and even dealing with resistance and conflict, this relationship or bond will help achieve “buy-in” which could lead to effective engagement of the process.  As an educator, the author enjoys the flexibility that they are given to teach classes.  They can design lesson plans that they feel can benefit learning in the classroom and with the different learning styles of the students.  In reflection, these lesson plans are typically more successful if the author has collaborated with their colleagues first to gather their input and expertise on the material.  Collaboration is so powerful.  When people are able to work in partnership and pool resources, they are capable of producing a better product.  This is also true of consulting.

          The second influential strategy is appreciating the project as a glass half full compared to that of half empty. Instead of seeing the issues and negativities of the project materials, identify the strengths (what the client already has) and grow from there.  Issues with morale, resistance, and engagement can hinder growth of the project when deficiencies and defects are only identified.  Instead, remind everyone of the positives and opportunities for growth that are present.  This is impactful in everyday life.  The author utilizes this strategy in the classroom and also in their personal life because they have found that starting conversations with negatives creates hostility and resistance, and that is hard to recover from.

          The third strategy that the author feels has a dramatic impact would be appreciating struggles as opportunities; even though they appreciate it as the most challenging of strategies for them personally.  Block (2011) identifies tension and struggles as areas where the doubt resides and that “energy” can be the possibility of change within the person or organization.  It is a beacon of light for the consultant and should be tackled actively versus passively.  By “discussing the tension, it makes insight and resolution possible” (Block, 2011, p. 336).

          The author chose those strategies because of their practicality and application to their current profession in education. They are new or different visions to help deal with students, the classroom, and the other requirements associated with the position.  They are straightforward enough to be incorporated into that field and into a consulting project, if the consultant had the interpersonal skills and abilities to accomplish those connection building opportunities. The author is capable of these abilities, although tackling struggles head on would be a personal challenge.  The important concepts for them to remember are the likely positive outcomes when tension is dealt with head on.  Instead of seeing the tension as a negative, the author needs to remember that it is instead, the door that opens to new opportunities.  For growth and development, the author needs the confidence to remember that and simply follow through efficiently and effectively.