The Seven Cs of Consulting

The consultancy business is booming. For any consultant aiming to survive and grow in this complex world, they need to have a clear and concise change model to hand, one that can guarantee delivery of a wide range of change projects.

Based around the author's 7Cs model (Client, Clarify, Create, Change, Confirm, Continue, Close). The Seven Cs of Consulting offers both buding and experienced consultants a solid and robust framework to enhance their ability to manage any consultancy assignment — from nderstanding the client's needs, through to successful assignment completion and developing new business out of that success. With the help of the crib notes on the pull-out back pocket guide, the 7Cs model will show you how to improve your professionalism, and deliver clear and demonstrable results to clients, bringing them back for more.

• Part 1: Introduction
1. The framework background
2. Navigating the waters
3. Consulting environment
• Part 2: The Seven Cs process
4. Defining the Seven Cs
• Timing
• Sequence
5. An effective client relationship in five steps
• Step one: Stool
• Step two: Trust index
• Step three: Engage
• Step four: Push/Pull
• Step five: Shadow diamond
• Part 3: The Seven Cs toolkit
6. Stage one: Client
• Orientation
• Desired outcome
• Change ladder
• Situation viability
• Decision makers
• Ethos
• Contract
7. Stage two: Clarify
• Diagnosis
• Shadow
• Culture
• System construction
• Stakeholders
• Life-cycle risk
• Feedback
8. Stage three: Create
• Managed creativity
• Creative blockage
• Scanning
• Storyboard
• Resources
• Stream owners
• Positics
9. Stage four: Change
• Methodology
• Energy
• Engage
• Entry
• System dynamics
• Uncertainty
• Resistance
10. Stage five: Confirm
• Responsible
• Timing
• Design
• Depth
• Data map
• Consulting performance
• Costs
11. Stage six: Continue
• Sustainability
• Language
• Gravity
• Flow
• Knowledge transfer
• Knowledge management
• Diffusion channels
12. Stage seven: Close
• Client's view
• Outcome review
• Learning
• Added value
• Build
• Re-engage
• Exit
• Part 4: Seven Cs in action
13. The reality
• 3M mapping
• Skills
• Client understanding
• Client meetings
• Appendix: Model deconstruction
  

One of the best book about the profession that have been written. Full of practical tips and probing questions.