Project Offer

I have had an interesting job offer that sounds like a lot of fun. How wonderful it is to the feel the difference between a project that I am interested in and feel excited about versus doing something that doesn't feed that same spirit. This offer is more like a project that continues to allow me to work in my practice – it just expands what that practice looks like for me.

I was approached by a doctor who has been experiencing some difficulties within the ranks of her staff. Her idea was that I come in and work with the staff members to help shed light on what has been happening on an interpersonal level between them. After meeting with the doctor last night, it became clear to her that there was more going on than the issue just between the two employees. She has asked that I come in and address the whole organization as a first step to helping with the communication issues that have become prevalent. Then she would like me to step into a consulting role over the next six months to keep that work moving.

How exciting is that? Well – and here's a big grin – it's exciting to me. I LOVED the organizational studies we did as part of our master's degree. I loved all that amazing group development stuff and it never occurred to me that I could bring both out into the world at large. It was affirming to sit with the doctor last night and just by asking certain questions her own understanding about what was going on startled even her. I could tell that she had gained insight and confidence in what I was bringing to the table.

So now I'm all excited and feeling pretty solid on what I can do with this group – but I'm not quite sure how to approach the business side of this. How do I contract for this kind of work? Are there certain elements working with a business organization that need to be managed differently than in therapy? Lucky for me I have a host of 'consultants' in my life who will have those answers.