Consulting Matters

Peter Block on Flawless Consulting, Relationship Power & the Common Good (Ep123)

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When you think about the work we do as consultants and coaches, it’s easy to focus on deliverables, frameworks, and strategies. But beneath all that lies a deeper truth:
What is the real power we bring—especially when we don’t have formal authority?

In this episode, I’m diving into some of the most meaningful questions facing our profession today:

  • What is the true influence of consultants and coaches in today’s organizational landscape?
  • How do we stay grounded in values like dignity, respect, and people-centered leadership when external pressures, and even legislation, create real barriers?
  • And what role should we play in advancing social impact?

    • These are not easy questions. But they are the ones that matter. And that’s exactly why I invited none other than Peter Block to join me for this conversation.

    Peter is the author of Flawless Consulting, the book so many of us in this field consider the Bible of our profession. I first read it when I was a brand-new OD consultant at Disney—and re-reading it during my sabbatical reminded me just how deeply Peter’s thinking has shaped my own.

    This conversation is both personally meaningful and professionally transformative. Peter shares his insights on consulting with integrity, power without authority, and how we can help build organizations that serve the common good, even in the face of short-term thinking and rising social challenges.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • Why Peter Block originally resisted writing Flawless Consulting—and what changed his mind

    • How consultants can influence without control or authority

    • Why “how we are with each other” matters more than what we say

    • Simple, transformational questions that deepen client conversations

    • The deeper purpose of consulting as a force for social good

      Where To Dive In:

      (0:00:02) - The Value of Consulting in Organizations
      (0:12:52) - The Ethical Role of Consultants
      (0:19:05) - The Illusion of Control and Power
      (0:25:24) - Embracing Agency in Consulting Relationships
      (0:31:47) - Shifting Perspectives in Consulting Relationships
      (0:40:01) - Exploring Empowerment and Collaboration Journey
      (0:48:38) - Navigating Organizational Shifts and Values
      (0:59:59) - Embodying the Common Good Philosophy
      (1:13:03) - Building a Community of Purpose-Driven Consultants

      Exact Quotes from the Episode:
      • “The relationship is the delivery system for my expertise.” — Peter Block [0:05:37]
      • “How you and I are with each other will make it real or make it a speech.” — Peter Block [0:09:03]
      • “I was very nervous that my peers in OD would say, ‘Peter, the model was a cookbook.’” — Peter Block [0:05:37]
      • “What you know is not the same as what people act on. The relationship makes it actionable.” — Peter Block [paraphrased summary of extended quote, 0:05:37]
      • “Every invitation matters—and yours especially so.” — Peter Block [0:04:12]
        • Next Steps: 
        • I invite you to reflect on Peter's deep wisdom, especially around how our relationship skills really are, the delivery mechanism of our expertise, the illusion of control and how nobody, even the top executives, have control. I loved what we got into about the differences between control and power, the prevailing myths that are out there that affect our own thinking and how we show up in the world around scarcity and division, and how a Flawless Consulting approach, this relationship and collaborative approach, is what's needed in any economy. As a branding person, I'd be remiss if I did not draw out what I love what Peter said about looking for clients who are looking for us. So the question I invite you to consider is how easy or hard are you making it for the people who are looking for you to get what you do? 

        • Inspired by Peter Block’s take on purpose-driven consulting? Take the next step and reclaim your own power with Betsy Jordyn’s free audio training + workbook: From Playing Small to Playing True
          Discover the proven strategies to gain the clarity and confidence you need to attract the consulting or coaching clients, impact, and income you're truly ready for—even in challenging times. Access it free here and start building a business that reflects your true value.

          About the guest: Peter Block is an author and citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the co-founder of Designed Learning, a training company that offers workshops designed to build the skills outlined in his books. Peter is part of the Common Good Alliance of Greater Cincinnati and was a member of his local neighborhood council. His books include Activating the Common Good, Confronting Our Freedom, Flawless Consulting, Stewardship, The Answer to How Is Yes, Community, and The Abundant Community. His work is in the restoraDon of the common good and creaDng a world that reclaims our humanity from the onslaught of modernism. Peter’s honors and awards include the Organization Development Network's 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award and its 2004 first-place Members' Choice Award in recognition of his book Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used (1999) as the most influential book for Organizational Development practitioners over the past 40 years. He is the recipient of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Award for Distinguished Contributions and the Association for Quality and Participation President's Award; he has also been named to Training Magazine's HRD Hall of Fame. www.designedlearning.com www.peterblock.com

          About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.

          Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

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