ABSTRACT
In consultation, the professional knowledge is irrelevant to the client-system—as long as it works—whereas the relation between assignment and professional knowledge is essential to the consultant. The consultant may be held back by too much loyalty to the theories and methods of her firm, or the consultant notices indirect signs via psychosomatic symptoms that something is amiss. It is an important challenge in the work of the organizational consultant to plan consultation assignments in such a way that one has the necessary time and financial means for continually enhancing one's professional skills. In a systemic perspective, supervision works because a person step(s) into the picture, working from a different position in relation to the assignment than the consultant in charge. Supervision usually takes place as strictly planned activities within the same organization—a counselling centre, and a treatment institution. The supervisor should plan the situation with a view to promoting the learning processes of the person who is receiving supervision.
