Catalytic style is a an approach to having conversations that helps the solution emerge from the client rather than having it planted by the consultant. I learnt this approach from Nick Zienau at Intelligent Action, and it is well worth taking the time to practise using it.
The rules of Catalytic Style
- Keep the focus on the client.
- Ask short, open questions to keep them talking (what, how, but not why).
- Offer quick summaries to show you are listening.
- Don’t offer your own solutions – this is about keeping the focus on the client.