Process consultant
In
organization development, a
process consultant is a
facilitator who helps a
group deal with issues involving the
process in a
meeting, rather than the
tasks. He or she is a specialized type of
consultant.
A process consultant may be used at any time during the
Stages of Group Development. Occasionally, a process consultant is used when a group is either in its formative stage, or normative stage. However, more often than not, she or he is brought in when the group is in
conflict.
Often a group finds itself in
conflict over
facts,
goals,
methods or
values. It is the role of the process consultant to help the group reach
consensus over the type of conflict it faces.
Once the type of conflict is identified, the process consultant then helps the group work through the steps required to break the impasse.
It is important to note that the process consultant's role is not to solve the problem, but to help the group solve its own problem. The reason for this is because it is the group, not the consultant who will have to live with the
consequences of its decision.
Occasionally, due to the nature of conflict, the process consultant may need to guide the group toward
conflict management rather than
conflict resolution.
Initially a process consultant will not lead or participate in a group meeting, but rather will act as an
observer. During this time, he or she is observing the
group dynamics to detrmine what
interpersonal relationships may be contributing to the group's issues.
At some point, s/he will begin to actively participate in the meeting, by asking clarifying questions or
paraphrasing. Eventually, s/he will make his/her observations known by giving the group
feedback.
To enter this field, a background in
psychology and
small group learning is helpful. Experience in reading
body language and possessing
analytic skills is also useful. However, receiving some training in
experiential education will probably be the most benefit.
*Block, Peter (1981),
Flawless Consulting, University Associates, Inc
