The Consultant's Calling

The Consultant's Calling:  Bringing who you are to what you do
by Geoffrey M. Bellman, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, 1990

Last year it seems that I talked to a lot of individuals who were just starting out in their consulting practice. Each time I recommenced the book The Consultant’s Calling by Geoffrey Bellman. It was first published in 1990 and I remember distinctly giving it to Ginger, my business partner, just after we went in business together. She was always encouraging us to go over some of the exercises - particularly, Finding your Uniqueness on page 15.

I attended a workshop headed up by Geoff at the 1996 Organization Development Network (ODN) Conference in Seattle and it was one of the highlights of the conference. What a great coach and mentor this man makes. No wonder, when I began to look at my own career and future interests this past fall,  that I would once again turn to this book.  I think anyone wanting to search into becoming a ‘free agent" would benefit from Geoff’s insights. They are both philosophical and practical.  If you are a new or old time consultant and haven’t read it - it is time to do so.

A lot has been written up in the literature about the need for balance. From a consulting context, Part One has some realistic suggestions on how to properly achieve the personal balance that is unique for each person. The focus is on interests and values rather than what I find is usually all about better time management.  The Consultant's Calling takes a much more philosophical approach.  Part Three discusses the issues around power and consulting that is often over looked.  Part Four on the Marketplace is not as well covered as many of the other books that I have read on this subject and is a bit of a let down comparing it to the rest of the book.  However, don't let that stop you from reading this book.  I guarantee that the majority will get a lot out of it.

RFH (00/02)

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