This examination of the communication and interpersonal aspects of the instructional developer/client consulting relationship suggests that communication breakdowns are more than likely due to a misunderstanding of the client's characteristics on the part of the developer. Several models of the consulting relationship are presented, and specific stages of this relationship are considered. The Johari Window model is presented to support the argument that open and honest communication between the client and the consultant increases the probability of the emergence of a creative solution to the problem under consideration. The theories of Gibb and Rogers are used to show how the consultant can establish an open and honest environment which can, in turn, nurture creativity. The writings of Jung and Johnson are considered in relation to the development of an understanding of the decision making process as it relates to the client/consultant relationship. In conclusion, it is suggested that training in the consulting process using the theoretical basis developed above should be part of the graduate training for instructional developers. Six figures are provided. (22 references) (EW)