Consulting and Change in Organisations

Gain applied, practical insights into consulting approaches

This three-module programme has been tailored to support the development of your consulting and change skills. It will help you add greater value whether you are a consultant, business partner or change agent within an organisation and with external stakeholders.

Who is it for?

This programme is for anyone who needs to build relationships with a diverse range of people across different functions in organisations when working on projects where change is required. If part of your role includes really understanding other people's needs, giving support as well as challenge, helping to generate ownership and commitment, then you are probably playing a consulting role. You will especially benefit if you are any of the following:

• HR Practitioner
• L&D Specialist
• OD Specialist
• Project Leader
• Change Agent
• IT Professional
• Business Analyst
• Business Development Manager.

Benefits to you and your organisation

Throughout the three modules of Consulting and Change in Organisations you will:

• Develop consulting skills and strategies that can be applied to current projects and activities
• Dramatically increase your credibility and influence through authentic professional relationships with your stakeholders and clients
• Gain a deep understanding and mastery of group and organisation dynamics
• Boost your confidence in designing and implementing consulting solutions that add real value
• Develop greater awareness of yourself and personal consulting style to be more effective at times of uncertainty and change.

Why choose an Ashridge Open Programme?

• Ashridge offers you a unique environment for learning, reflection and change
• Ashridge offers peer networking opportunities with like minded professionals during the programme and afterwards via The Ashridge Network
• On site accommodation, learning materials, leisure facilities and a wide choice of cuisine is all included as part of your Ashridge Open Programme package
• Our teaching style blends academic theory and real-world examples with practical skills and tools. Our faculty won't lecture you but will make you participate. It's how we make your learning stick
• With specific implementable action plans, proven new thinking and practical advice, Ashridge will help you make more of your career
• Access to online content from Virtual Ashridge to support your learning before, during and after the residential part of your programme.

Programme Structure

The programme is designed around three modules: two of 2-days and one of 3-days. Module 1 includes a group dinner on the preceding evening, which is an integral part of the module. Half-day virtual Consulting Practice Groups also take place between Modules 1 and 2 and Modules 2 and 3.

Programme Content

Module 1: you as a consultant

Two days, plus dinner the night before before day one

This module will offer you an opportunity to reflect on the skills and experience you bring to your consulting activity and identify key areas for development to enhance your effectiveness. You will gain a greater awareness of your current skills, capabilities and areas for development as a relational practitioner. You will practise with business actors and receive immediate feedback, which you can then integrate before going back into your organisation or consulting practice.

Module 2: experimenting with consulting interventions

Two days

This module will give you a robust understanding of what goes on in groups and it will remove the mystery of designing consulting interventions in organisations. We will encourage you to trust and develop different ways of knowing that include the mind, body and emotions in your consulting activity. You will have a greater awareness of yourself, others and organisational dynamics. You will be able to use 'more of yourself with skill' when facilitating groups or designing consulting interventions.

Module 3: practising with real clients

Three days

This module will help you apply and integrate all the learning from the earlier workshops. It will also provide you with an opportunity to spend a day with some of our clients and apply your learning hands-on as you work with one of their live strategic change issues. This will include forming the relationship, undertaking the inquiry, applying appropriate change perspectives and offering input regarding methodologies where appropriate.

A review on the final day deepens learning, where you will be supported to develop and articulate your unique consulting proposition and sets up phased action plans for the future.