The Collaborative Process is centered on the ethical standard that all Collaborative Professionals will respect each client’s self-determination, recognizing that ultimately the clients are responsible for making the decisions that resolve their issues.

All too often we take that to mean that we are a client driven Process.  In fact, this past Friday we heard that term used during Happy Hour, and another attendee was quick to jump in and raise the point that we are not client driven but client focused.

In a client driven process, the client is in the driver’s seat. They make most of the decisions, set the direction, and dictate what should be done. You follow the client's instructions closely, even if they may not be ideal.

In a client focused process, the client is at the center, but your expertise guides the process. You're helping them solve their problems based on their needs, not just their instructions. You focus on understanding the client’s goals and provide tailored, expert solutions.

Many times we use analogies with our clients.  I prefer the airplane analogy.  The passengers choose where they want to go, but the crew flies the plane and you must follow their directions.  You would never consider telling the airline that we really don’t need the co-pilot so they can charge less.  Or would you tell a surgeon what professionals should be in the operating room?  Doc, do you really need a nurse passing the instruments to you?  Pick them up yourself and charge me less!

So why do we let the clients tell us how to run the Collaborative Process?  That turns the Process into client driven when we should be client focused.