Fearless Consulting Temptations, Risks and Limits of the Profession

The history of consulting dates back to the original 'intervention' of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, and today's consultants have just as dubious a reputation. They are tempted by flattery and over-assessment of their abilities, and run the risks of uncertainty, responsibility without authority and loss of control. In order to steer a middle course, they must understand their own intention as consultants. Fearless Consulting clearly demonstrates that, in spite of the many risks and temptations, consultants can approach their profession and clients fearlessly, and offers a range of philosophical inspirations for readers as well as specific intervention models and practical methodologies.

<b>Erik de Haan</b> works is the director of Ashridge &#8217;s Centre for Coaching and a senior organisation development consultant for Ashridge Consulting near London. Before joining Ashridge Consulting in 2002, he studied Theoretical Physics in Amsterdam,gained his PhD in Utrecht with his research into learning and decision-making processes in perception (1994), and worked for several consultancies in The Netherlands. Among his recent clients are the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the BBC, BP, Credit Suisse First Boston, CSM, Fortis, Nokia, Stork, the Universities of Leeds and Leiden, and Vodafone. His previous publications books in English include The Consulting Process as Drama - King Lear for Consultants and Managers , Learning with Colleagues and Coaching with Colleagues. Erik is also member of the editorial board of Philosophy of Management &#8211;formerly Reason in Practice. <p> <b>Ashridge</b> is one of the world&#8217;s leading providers of executive education. Established in 1959, it has acquired an outstanding international reputation in helping to make a difference to both individuals and organisations through its combination of executive development, research and consultancy expertise. Its activities include open &amp; tailored executive education programmes, MBA, MSc &amp; Diploma qualifications, organisation consulting, applied research and online learning. Clients include leading organisations in the private and public sectors in the UK and across the globe.