USC Center for Software Engineering Presents

Los Angeles

Software Process Improvement Network

 

Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

 

"Negotiation Skills for Those Who Must Make Change By Influence, Not Authority:
  An Interactive Workshop"

 

Speaker:  Byron L. Hanchett, Esq., CEO, Conflict Resolution, Inc.

 

In "What I Would Do Differently If I Wrote the SEPG Guide Today" Stan Rifkin wrote, "We also underrated the place of negotiations and how much SEPG members needed to know about how to conduct them.  I don't think we even mentioned the topic, but many SEPG members find themselves having to balance competing interests all the time, so being well versed and well practiced in the science and art of negotiation is important."

 

Every process improvement effort is part exercise of higher authority and part influence by trying to change people's hearts and minds.  The latter is the role of software engineering process group (SEPG) members.  They must use their abilities to influence in order to accelerate change inside organizations.  Negotiation is one of the key skills in learning to influence.  Many engineering professionals believe that negotiation is primarily intuitive.  Mr. Hanchett will introduce a set of skills that are applied in a step-by-step fashion, requiring no innate skills, instinct, or genetic characteristics.

 

The meeting will be conducted interactively using a software-specific case study.  The meeting attendees will be put into small groups to study and then role play the case.  Mr. Hanchett will then debrief the whole group and indicate where a step-by-step approach might have improved the mutual outcome.  The meeting will be a mix of practice, reflection, and insight into how negotiation can bring parties together and improve their relationships.  This is a safe environment to learn and hone needed skills.  Please join us.

 

Byron Hanchett is CEO of Conflict Resolution, Inc., where he consults and teaches negotiation.  His background includes a BS in Management from Syracuse University, a JD in Law from Loyola, and the study of negotiation at the Harvard Negotiation Project, Harvard Law School, and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.  Mr. Hanchett began his career as a Chief Negotiator for the United States Air Force negotiating hundreds of millions in weapon system and support contracts.  Later at Hughes Aircraft Company he negotiated contracts, licensing agreements, subcontracts, and agreements to acquire other technology companies.  His work for Hughes included consulting with program managers on negotiation strategy before proposals were submitted to the customer.  At Hughes, he represented the company in acquiring 50 acres of land and developing a 250,000 square foot research and development facility.  This development project took him into the commercial real estate business where he developed office buildings and negotiated the sale, lease, financing, and syndication of over $750 million in commercial real estate transactions. 

 

*** Recheck the web site before the meeting ***

Location:  University of Southern California - Information Sciences Institute

11th Floor Conference Room, 4676 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA

Map and directions at http://sunset.usc.edu/las/index.html | Directions

 

5:30 to 6:00  Networking

7:00 to 7:30  Networking

6:00 to 7:00  Presentation

7:30 to 8:30  Presentation cont’d

 

No reservations needed.  Free parking in nearby structure, bring ticket to meeting for validation.

For additional information:  http://sunset.usc.edu/las/index.html

LaDonna Pierce, CSE Administrator, at (213) 740-5703 or ladonna@sunset.usc.edu

* Future Meetings:   Feb 25,  Mar 31, Apr 28