Transformational Consulting – Application of Idiomatic Phrases to Technical and Adaptive Challenges

Abstract There seem to be a dominance of prescriptive models aimed at addressing organizational challenges in a dynamic environment. To what extend do prescriptive, n-step models facilitate transformational growth and development during unsettled time. Due to the realization that most emerging consultants tend to exclusively and excessively rely on certain tools and frameworks, idiomatic phrases, and quotation-based knowledge, the author elaborates the distinction between technical and adaptive challenges (Heifetz, 1998). Unfortunately, most practitioners are guided by idiomatic phrases of the past and as such treat adaptive challenges as technical challenges. The submission is informed by the view that consultants should not adopt approaches or mindsets that try to fit an organization into already prescribed models or patterns of thought. Given organizations as complex adaptive systems, the analysis proffered in this article indicates the need for the customization of idiomatic submissions to context or to the client system. Consulting work should spark curiosity, imagination, and enlightenment in client systems. Blind reliance on idiomatic phrases depletes enduring capabilities in client systems. In dealing with technical and adaptive challenges, consultants need to ensure shifting rather than static mental frameworks when supporting client systems.