Meeting the Client

Chapter 6 delves into the client-facilitator relationship, exploring the essential steps to be taken with the client before and during the contracting process. To illustrate these steps and demonstrate the application of the qualities discussed in Part I, the chapter presents a detailed example case from my own professional experience. It thoroughly discusses the following aspects: recognizing the significance of building a supportive relationship, embracing the facilitator’s role, articulating one’s approach to the client, gaining insight into the client’s system, establishing a contractual agreement, and establishing effective lines of communication. Additionally, the chapter introduces a practical technique called stakeholder mapping, which can facilitate the transition to the subsequent phase: “Seeing the System.”