Based on the assigned readings in Module 5 (“Colorado State University,” 2012), this journal entry examines the author's strategies as a change management consultant for build and improve relationships in client organizations. The discussion then considers the effectiveness of these strategies with respect to the author's work environment, including the author's approach to mitigating relationship problems in the event that the strategies prove ineffective. Strategies for Building and Improving Relationships The effectiveness of a political navigator depends on strong interpersonal relationships built through knowledgeable people. respectful communication and action (Cialdini, 2001; Gilley, 2006; Lewicki, Barry, & Saunders, 2006). As Cummings and Worley (2009) note, “Establishing a healthy relationship from the beginning makes it more likely that the client's desired outcomes will be achieved. . .” (p. 81). Therefore, as a counselor, the author predominantly relies on two sets of sequential reinforcement strategies to initiate and create synergistic relationships with the client. Strategies for Initiating Customer Engagement The first set includes four “initiating” strategies for influencing positive customer engagement: displaying an engaging personality, identifying with customers, developing mutual interests, and practicing reciprocity. Demonstrating a friendly and engaging personality – a prerequisite for building relationships (Cialdini, 2001; Gilley, 2006) – creates initial positive perceptions and helps establish a personal relationship. Identifying with clients on their level (Gilley, 2006) by altering personal communication style, language, dress, and behaviors to fit their cultural norms reinforces the perception of the author's willingness to recognize... middle of paper ... ...anizations (pp. 2-4). Greenwood Village, CO: Author Cummings, T., & Worley, C. (2009). Organizational development and change (9th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.Gilley, J. (2006). The manager as politician. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.Kouzes J. and Posner, B. (2007). The challenge of leadership (4th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.Lewicki, J.R., Barry, B., & Saunders, M.D. (2006). Negotiation: Readings, Exercises, and Cases (5th ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.Schein, E. (2004). Organizational culture and leadership (3rd ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Senge, P. (2006). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization (revised ed.). New York: Random House. Vecchio, R. (ed.). (2007). Leadership: Understanding the dynamics of power and influence in organizations (2nd ed.). Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press.