Consultants communicate with many people on various levels. Employing appropriate influence techniques and effectively using existing power structures are two measures that may greatly affect a consultant's success. These skills are most effective when used strategically. Analyzing the power structure and organizational dynamics will help you make better decisions regarding which influence tactics may be most effective.

Resource: Kudler Fine Foods Virtual Organization

Review the Organizational Chart for Kudler Fine Foods.

Consider the information you have learned about Kudler Fine Foods.

Create a 700- to 1,050-word client-interaction strategy for yourself, as the consultant, so that you are better prepared to communicate with different members of the client organization. Address the following:

• Who are the main players in the change initiative?
• What is the dynamic of power and leadership in the organization?
• Describe how you might leverage the existing power structure to facilitate different phases of the change initiative.
• Explain which influence tactics you might use, with whom, and why.