Psychoanalysts treat their patients by delving into their past –
often their early years of childhood – in an attempt to help
them understand present feelings and behaviour. Consultants try to
understand their clients’ history and track record in an attempt
to identify the roots of failure or the seeds of success.
In some respects, consultants have an easier job; they can look over
past balance sheets and profit and loss statements in order to analyse
the management of assets, profitability and cost control. They can
follow the company’s history through from its initial successes
with perhaps a single product to its present-day range of products
or services. They can study the organizational structure of the company,
marketing and personnel policies, even the physical layout of offices
and factory.
However, putting their finger on why one company fails and another
succeeds is not always so easy. Companies look outside for this advice
because they cannot find the answers themselves. They hope that the
consultant will be able to draw on his or her wider experience –
perhaps recognize a symptom that he has previously encountered. Then
perhaps he or she will be able to diagnose their ills, prescribe a
course of treatment for recovery and recommend a new life-style to
ensure future health and prosperity.
Now answer the following questions:
i. Why do Psychoanalysts and consultants need to delve into the past of their patients and clients?
Answer. Psychoanalysts and consultants need to delve
into the past of their patients and clients so that they could know
the reasons for their failure or sucsess.
ii. Why do you think a consultant’s job is easier than
a Psychoanalyst?
Answer. A consultant’s job is easier than
a Psychoanalyst because they can look into companies balance sheets
and profit and loss statements in order to analyse the management
of assets, profitability and cost control.
iii. Companies evidently want help from consultants from time
to time. Why? Discuss.
Answer. Companies want help from consultants from
time to time because companies cannot find the answers themselves.
They hope that consultant will be able to diagnose their ills and
prescribe treatment for recovery.