A Business Director, James Palmer, once told me about a dream he had. As with many leaders who have major problems on their hands, James always slept like a baby – waking up on the hour, every hour.In his dream, James was in work as normal, until he was visited by the senior partner of the consultancy firm they had been using on one of their major projects. The work was nearing completion, and the partner had requested a meeting. He knew perfectly well in advance what it would be about – the consultancy would want to extend their contract, and would use every trick in the book to do so.
The consultant walked in, they shook hands and James put on his negotiation hat. The consultant spoke first:
“Thank you for agreeing to see me, Mr Palmer. As you know the project we have been assisting you with is coming to an end. General opinion is that it has been an outstanding success, and I just wanted to thank you for using our company, and to let you know that as long as you are happy with our work and contribution, we will be pulling our people out a week on Friday.”
James was so taken aback he simply stammered out something like, “fine – thank you,” and shook the partner’s hand. He did make a mental note, however, to make sure he used this company again.
Continued tomorrow...
"E-Mail address supplied" from Glasgow:
Why do some people make great eye contact and others do not?
Because some people look at other people's eyes, and others do not! It really is as simple as that - when you meet someone, or are in a conversation, or presenting, look at people's eyes - for a mental count of just over one second. And as you look at them, smile - genuinly - subconsciously. We look happy or not with our eyes, not with the shape of our mouth.
E-mail me any question - if I don't know the best "answer" I will know someone who does - david@nakedleader.com - let me know if you want me to include your name, or I will assume it is anonymous.