The Shadow Consultant

Abstract

To the author the term shadow consultant denotes a consultant who, at the request of a colleague and by means of a series of mutual discussions in which he uses a socio-scientific approach, helps evaluate and, if necessary, change the diagnosis, tactics, or role adopted in a certain assignment. The reciprocal responsibilities of shadow consultant and consultant and the possible pitfalls encountered by each role occupant in relation to the client are covered in this essay by a practicing professional often called upon in the "shadow" mode. Whether help to a fellow professional is more effectively given informally or on a contract basis and whether the client should be told are other issues raised in this article and the Comments that follow.