Turning Client Conflict into Project Productivity:
What Every Consultant Needs to Know
with Mary O’Neill

Friday, May 27^th, 2011
7:30 – 10:00 AM

Location:

The Club at McInnis Park Golf Center
350 Smith Ranch Rd.
San Rafael, CA 94903

Wouldn't it feel great to say good-bye to the stress, frustration, anxiety, and anger that you associate with conflict?

Like it or not, we all have to deal with the inevitable challenges that arise within client relationships:  personality clashes, miscommunication, and different points of view. Even the most successful professionals cannot avoid conflict, which can turn a once-harmonious relationship into a very difficult one.

Yet when resolved quickly with a positive approach, conflict can be an opportunity for better understanding and growth. It even deepens client relationships.

Conflict resolution is simple, but not always easy. Dealing directly with relationship challenges requires skills that don't always come naturally. And since conflict is a mind-body experience, it can be quite challenging to stay calm and centered and respond effectively. Most consultants are not trained in conflict resolution, and may not know the best approach to take.

At the May BACN meeting, Mary O'Neill will walk participants through their own experiences of conflict and demonstrate techniques for managing these situations better. You will learn

• A better understanding of why conflict occurs and what we can do about it.
• The number one thing every person must learn to do in order to successfully resolve conflict
• How to calm down when conflict heats up.

About the Speaker

Mary O’Neill is a speaker, trainer, and executive coach. Early in her career, Mary noticed that some people possessed a greater capacity than others for building good relationships and functioning more effectively in the workplace. Her curiosity about the vital link between psychological hardiness and professional success led her to obtain a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. She helps organizations develop creative solutions to the inevitable relationship challenges that occur in the workplace. Learn more at maryoneill.com.

Creating Connections

In addition to informal networking before and after the meeting, we facilitate closer connections with the other consultants at your table. Sit with someone you don’t know! See some examples of previous Creating Connections exercises.

BACN Bits & Bytes

Fred Greene will examine the relative merits of tablets and netbooks for the May Bits & Bytes segment.

Members’ Forum

Bring your questions and tips to share at the Members’ Forum. See some past Forum Questions here.

Reservations

Pre-register via EventBrite (credit or debit card): $35.

Special offer for May 2011

Bring a new member to BACN for half price! Here’s how: just sign your guest up when you pre-register, and EventBrite will automatically charge you $20.00 for the second registration.

Deadline for advance registration is Wednesday end of day before the event. (That’s so we have time to make your name tag.)

Registration at the door by cash or check (as space permits): $40.

Food

BACN now serves a full breakfast. (Yes, there is bacon at BACN.) Please register in advance to make sure we don’t run out! Everyone gets cranky when there’s not enough coffee at 7:30 AM.

Parking

Free parking in the McInnis Park Golf Center lot.

BACN Mission: To improve business development and practice success through networking and programs for consultants.

Members of BACN are independent consultants who are interested in expanding their professional practices through effective networking and professional development programs sponsored by BACN. Attend a BACN meeting to become a member.