How can we be aware of our consulting stance and adapt it as indicated?

Our June 28 program was on “Structural Dynamics” and was led by Steve Ober of Chrysalis Executive Coaching and Consulting.

Steve led us through discussion and exercises on understanding human systems, our own role in them, and how to help them change. We learned about the three levels in human systems: face to face; larger social structure; and individual structures. We considered how to “map” our client systems and to understand how we react to it. We saw how understanding of our own role is necessary to the success of our change efforts.

Finally we considered our client stance. Are we working within the system? Are we outside? Or above it? How does our perspective affect our work? And can we change our stance to achieve different ends (such as promoting our own personal growth while fostering organizational change)? This very important but often unrecognized issue has been selected as our Question of the Month.

Jim Murphy