The Basic Principles of Effective Consulting

by Linda K. Stroh

Consultants are called upon more and more to help implement needed organizational changes, fill gaps in workforce capabilities, and solve significant business problems. As the demand for consultants increases, it is critical that practitioners differentiate themselves and understand how they can be most successful, for themselves and their clients. The Basic Principles of Effective Consulting details what effective consultants do and provides a step by step process of just how they do it.

The Second Edition of The Basic Principles of Effective Consulting is fully updated with real-life cases. End-of-chapter summaries foster both mastery and engagement, as well as providing a quick reference throughout a consultant’s career. In addition, each chapter includes a section "From the experts" written by successful consultants and users of consultants’ services. These experts share ideas and tips about their own consulting experiences that relate to chapter material.

The book is written for entry level and seasoned consultants, project managers, staff advisors, and anyone who wants to learn (or be reminded of) the basic principles of effective consulting. The book is well suited as an excellent textbook for college courses on consulting, organizational training, and a lifetime go-to consultant’s resource.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dendy Rio · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general, this book explains the fundamental aspects and things that a consultant does, from meeting clients to presenting the solutions offered to solve a company's problems. This book is very concise and easy to understand and can provide an overview for ordinary people about what a consultant does.

[Ryan Uyehara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is what it says: an introduction to the basic principles of effective consulting. It's clear, concise, linear, and completely reasonable. The author introduces a few case studies and commentary from real world consultants and businesspeople. If you're interested in getting an overview of the consulting field, this is a place to start.

[Eryk · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most straight-forward, comprehensive, methodical books I have ever read on the subject of consulting. I'm using it as the main text for a graduate course on the topic of Health Care Consulting that I am teaching in April 2010.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also good insights and relevant to real life situations. Some good takeaways even for business development and project management in service industries (such as technology implementation).