Flawless Consulting in Action: Peter Block on Power without Authority & Social Change

What Does It Really Mean to Be a Consultant Today?

In today’s rapidly shifting world, consultants and coaches are being asked to do more than ever. We're expected to deliver transformation without formal authority, to influence without control, and to advocate for human-centered values in organizations that are under intense pressure to conform, scale, and survive.

You may find yourself asking, how do we live our values around respect for people and our passion for people-centered cultures in the face of current legislation that is creating real, not imagined, barriers? And what is the role of consultants in social impact? These are deep and challenging questions at the heart of what we do in our true purpose and role as consultants and coaches, and they don't always have clear and easy answers.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with legendary consultant and author Peter Block, whose seminal book Flawless Consulting has shaped the practices of consultants for generations.

“The relationship is the delivery system for my expertise.”
— Peter Block, [0:05:37]

Why Peter Wrote Flawless Consulting

Block didn’t set out to become a writer. In fact, he turned down multiple invitations until a publisher offered him money. At the time, he was working with engineers and IT teams at ESSO (now Exxon) and realized they weren’t acting on good recommendations. It wasn’t the quality of the solutions that was failing, it was the lack of trust, relationship, and buy-in.

“The guy who ran IT said, 'We do all these studies, and nobody does anything with them. What’s going on here?'”
— Peter Block, [0:05:37]

Peter realized what many still overlook: our ability to influence doesn’t come from expertise alone, but from how we connect with others. His book became a toolkit to make that process practical, especially for technical professionals who had never been taught how to build human connection in the workplace.

Consulting Without Authority: What That Really Looks Like

So many consultants and coaches feel stuck because they don’t have positional power. But Block turns that belief on its head. He emphasizes the illusion of control in organizations and invites us instead to lean into partnership, truth-telling, and presence.

“By our relationship, you and I right now, Betsy, have content we want to bring. How we are with each other will make it real or make it a speech.”
— Peter Block, [0:09:03]

In the episode, he outlines simple but profound questions consultants should be asking:

• What do you want?

• What are you up against?

• What doubts do you have about working with me?

These aren’t surface-level rapport builders... they’re relational openings that pave the way for transformation.

The Role of Consultants in Times of Social Pressure

Betsy and Peter also touch on something especially relevant today: how consultants can respond to social and political challenges. From legislation that limits inclusion to cultures gripped by fear and short-term thinking, consultants must decide whether they will stand on the sidelines or help shape the conversation.

Peter believes our responsibility goes beyond organizational change.

“Consultants can be a force for good, if we stop chasing fixes and start engaging in deep, human conversations.”

He urges us to reject the parent-child model that pervades consulting and to embrace adult-adult partnerships instead. That includes naming the elephant in the room, choosing possibility over predictability, and staying grounded in human dignity.

This conversation is a masterclass in what it means to consult with soul, substance, and social awareness. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your consulting journey, Peter Block offers a roadmap for showing up with power, clarity, and integrity without needing formal authority to make a difference.

“Every invitation matters, and yours especially so.”
— Peter Block, [0:04:12]

I invite you to reflect on Peter's deep wisdom, especially around how our relationship skills really are, the delivery mechanism of our expertise, the illusion of control and how nobody, even the top executives, have control.

I loved what we got into about the differences between control and power, the prevailing myths that are out there that affect our own thinking and how we show up in the world around scarcity and division, and how a Flawless Consulting approach, this relationship and collaborative approach, is what's needed in any economy.

As a branding person, I'd be remiss if I did not draw out what I love what Peter said about looking for clients who are looking for us. So the question I invite you to consider is how easy or hard are you making it for the people who are looking for you to get what you do? 

From Insight to Action: Step Into Your Power as a Consultant

Inspired by Peter Block’s take on purpose-driven consulting? Take the next step and reclaim your own power with Betsy Jordyn’s free audio training + workbook:

From Playing Small to Playing True
Discover the proven strategies to gain the clarity and confidence you need to attract the consulting or coaching clients, impact, and income you're truly ready for—even in challenging times.

Access it free here and start building a business that reflects your true value.

About me: 

Betsy Jordyn is a brand messaging strategist and business mentor for purpose-driven consultants and coaches. With a background in organizational development—including a consulting career with Disney—she helps experts clarify their unique value, position themselves strategically, and build businesses that deliver impact, income, and personal fulfillment. Connect with Betsy Jordyn to clarify your message, elevate your brand, and attract the clients you're meant to serve. Start here → https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services