Process consultant
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A process consultant is a highly qualified professional that has insights into and understands the psychological and social dynamics of working with various client systems such as whole organizations, groups, and individuals. Part of the field called Human Systems Intervention, process consultation is a philosophy of helping, a general theory and methodology of intervening (e.g. Schein 1999).
Skills
Given the complex nature of intervening, a process consultant's expertise includes the following (and many other) skills:
- Works concomitantly with groups and individuals (managers/directors) towards a larger change process such as strategic visioning, strategic planning, etc.
- Based on the context, selects from a variety of methods, tools and change theories a facilitative interventionthat will most benefit the client system.
- Stays aware of covert organizational processes, group dynamics, and interpersonal issues.
Role in organizational development
In organization development, a process consultant is a specialized type of consultant who acts as a facilitator to help groups deal with issues involving the process in a meeting, rather than with the actual tasks themselves.
Role in small group development
A process consultant may be used at any time during the
Role in conflict resolution
Often a group finds itself in conflict over
Once the type of conflict is identified, the process consultant then helps the group work through the steps required to break the impasse.
It is important to note that the process consultant's role is not to solve the problem, but to help the group solve its own problem. The reason for this is because it is the group, not the consultant who will have to live with the consequences of its decision.
Role in conflict management
Occasionally, due to the nature of conflict, the process consultant may need to guide the group toward conflict management rather than conflict resolution.
Techniques used
Initially a process consultant will not lead or participate in a group meeting, but rather will act as an
At some point, they will begin to actively participate in the meeting, by asking clarifying questions or
Education required
To enter this field, a background in
References
- Block, Peter (1981), Flawless Consulting, University Associates, Inc
- Schein, Edgar. (1999). Process Consultation Revisited. Reading MA: Addison-Wesley.