ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some of the ways people actively involve the whole group in collaborative consultation so that members can be a resource to each other by contributing to the process of the consultation as well as offering a repertoire of ideas and new ways to go on. It explains how people position the consultees who bring work for consultation, the group participants and ourselves, the consultants, to facilitate group collaboration. Some consultation group participants have told us that they prefer to 'sit back and enjoy' the opportunity to observe a stimulating exchange between the consultant and consultee or be with their own thoughts after a hard working day rather than be called upon to participate. Building the group involves co-creating a group culture of collaboration, acceptance and respect that will enable group members to work together as equal contributors and appreciate each other's different perspectives as valuable offerings to the consultation.
