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This is the second
installment of the new column Prophet Margin, the column that highlights
members and debates hot topics in the field of Consulting Psychology. As
wisdom assumes many forms, everybody from experienced consultants to
students, to transitioning or emerging professionals are expected to
participate in this forum that showcases not only the intellectual
capital, but the fellowship of this organization.
Freedom through
enlightenment. Power thought mastery. Effectiveness through action. So
reads the banner on the website of Division 13 member Ross Stockwell,
Ph.D. He is the Founder and President of Ross Stockwell & Associates,
Inc., a consulting firm in Toronto, Ontario specializing in assessment for
individuals, teams, and organizations. Unlike the clinical beginnings of
the majority of our membership, Dr. Stockwell earned his Masters and Ph.D.
in Measurement and Psychometric Test Construction under the tutelage of
Dr. Douglas Jackson (creator of assessment tools such as the Personality
Research Form and the Jackson Personality Inventory). Cognizant that he
wanted to take a non-traditional path, he worked at Labatt Breweries of
Canada, where he undertook duties of market research, product development
and ultimately acted as General Manager for one company’s subsidiary.
Thereafter, Dr. Stockwell worked for 1 year in public affairs, freelanced
as a market researcher, and then practiced for 6-7 years at RHR
International, as so many consulting psychologists. He reports, “As Al
Parchem once said to me, it was one of the few places where I didn’t
have to apologize for being a psychologist.” I spoke to this one-time
philosophy major about his philosophy on the value-added of consulting
psychologists.
What is your value proposition to clients?
Our value-added is providing insight to people or situations that allow people to get
leverage. I don’t think change is possible if you don’t have a
perspective of where you are and where you need to be. Education is
awareness. Insight is a form of freedom, otherwise you are trapped via
habituated behaviors. I look at what level people are stuck. I rattle
their cage. It’s one thing to have insight. (Thereafter) it’s really
about adopting attitudes and implementing behaviors that are aligned and
consistent with supporting one’s priorities and goals.
If you were starting a practice today, what best practices would you
implement immediately?
I would maintain effective collegial relationships with peers, over and above technical
skills. I would maintain personal and professional network with psychology
and especially business contacts. It is a source of new business and
referrals.
Any advice for clinically trained psychologists wanting to market themselves
as consulting psychologists?
First of all, I would ask, What is the basis for this switch? One needs to appreciate that these
are two different worlds of practice. Are you willing to learn the ways
and habits of this ‘new country?’ I am glad for my early experiences,
but it was an abrupt shift from academia to a corporate setting. I had to
learn a new language…(Getting acclimated) took 2-3 years. You have to
observe the customs and be willing to learn. It’s a sign of respect.
In this introduction to the membership, what is the take away message you
would you like SCP members to leave with about you & your practice?
The opportunity for working in business is needed and the demand for psychologically-based
services is far greater than the supply. While many psychologists are
understandably cautious, they should be confident of their relevance and
capacity to be of service in organizational settings.
Ross Stockwell & Associates, Inc. works across several industries including communications,
retail, and energy. He notes that, “everybody, at least in their own
way, wants to be happy, productive and accepted. Starting from that
fundamental core, you set a stage of acceptance. You meet the client where
they are.” Despite his early teachings of means and standard deviations,
he arrives at this succinct human universal. We thank Ross Stockwell for
his insight and action in our field.
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