The Practice of Professional Consulting



First Meeting Dynamics

It is always a special time when consultants meet with a prospective client for the first time. It is fraught with subtle dynamics, multiple levels of communication, and important first impressions.

First Impressions

We understand that it takes only a few moments for us to know whether or not we like someone or feel comfortable around them. We pick up and tune in to positive or negative energy; we sense whether we are accepted or rejected, being judged or being dealt with fairly and openly, and with interest. It is important to tune into our feelings and be aware of how we are emotionally responding to the situation. As discussed in Chapter Seven, this is an important aspect of emotional intelligence ...