Recommended books on consulting?

January 12, 2009 7:41 AM

Any recommendations on books about business consulting?

I work in consulting, and one goal is for a few of us to read a book per quarter, and then discuss, to keep us learning. I know that "business consulting" is a kinda broad category, but I've purposely left it that way so I don't miss out on some good books. I've found a few lists ("Great Books about Consulting" on Amazon, and this Consulting Books list at UF. The two that have jumped out at me thus far are:

"Executive Leadership: A Practical Guide to Managing Complexity" by by Elliott Jaques, Stephen D. Clement, and Ronnie Lessem (amazon link)
"Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used" by Peter Block (amazon link)

Any other specific suggestions? Thanks!

posted by inigo2 to work & money (8 comments total)

I really enjoyed and have applied the methods detailed in The McKinsey Mind. Looks like the reviewers at Amazon.com didn't like it so much. I feel like it has some really great tips, specifically with regards to the client engagement life cycle.
posted by dobie at 8:18 AM on January 12

Also, Managing With Power, is a great read. Might be out of print, and have some obsolete examples though.
posted by dobie at 8:20 AM on January 12

Are you looking for books on consulting specifically, or on the business issues that consultants need to deal with on a regular basis?

If the latter, I'd suggest Competitive Advantage, by Michael Porter as one of foundations of general business consulting. Full disclosure, I worked for the firm that Michael Porter helped found for five years.

But really, any of the titles on the Personal MBA list of Best Business Books would be great, depending on your interest. In addition, getting yourself a subscription to the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Economist, or similar publications will go a long way in making you an effective business consultant.
posted by gregchttm at 8:39 AM on January 12

Are you looking for books on consulting specifically, or on the business issues that consultants need to deal with on a regular basis?

In the long run (I'll be reading a bunch of these) either/or, really. I guess right now, I'm leaning towards starting with more consulting-specific, but can be swayed by a more general book if it's good.

Thanks for all suggestions thus far!
posted by inigo2 at 8:56 AM on January 12

I like Process Consultation Revisited which is specifically about how to build a constructive and helpful consulting relationship with a client.
posted by elmay at 9:26 AM on January 12

Flawless Consulting by Peter Block. Straightforward, witty, and comprehensive.
posted by terranova at 5:48 PM on January 12

Peter Block recommends Elaine Biech's book, The Business of Consulting: "Practical, compassionate and a good alternative to an MBA." I've read both Flawless and BofC (and years ago conversed with the authors about their works) and think these two books offer excellent insight into the world of consulting.

Block and Biech also are marketing whizzes. They know that consulting concerns thrive only if they retain brand recognition, positive regard, and high visibility, and they conduct their own businesses accordingly.
posted by terranova at 6:03 PM on January 12

Thanks all. I'll add some (brief) reviews if this thread is still open when I finish a book.
posted by inigo2 at 6:42 AM on January 15