Bostonian chronicle I

I had a great time in Boston. Well, great is not the word. Terrific!

I arrived in Boston on tuesday. Weather was awful. The first thing I thought was: I know why they call it New England. I soon caught the subway and installed at the Marriott Hotel in the M.I.T. area. I tried to get in touch with Steve Sherlock but as he was not available, I decided to go for a visit to Harvard Square. It was raining and although I tried to take some photos, the weather did not help much. I came back to the Hotel and surprise...There was Steve Sherlock.

Steve is a gentleman, a quiet man, reflexive and respectful. I felt great just for being talking to a friend with whom I had shared conversations through the internet. We had dinner in a very nice brewery in Cambridge. The place was plenty of people and the atmosphere was great. We drunk a couple of beers and talked almost about everything.

Next day I had class with...Bruce Patton. Mr. Getting to Yes.

Patton is a very skilled speaker. You inmediately tell he dominates the scene. When you face one of these authorities, you have the sense of having achieved something. I came from Bilbao, from the other side of the ocean. I have had to overcome many difficult moments in my life, but there was I, with on of the authors of the Bible of Negotiation.

After Patton, it was Max Bazerman who delighted us with his very amusing Consulting stories. Bazerman is wise, has a refined sense of humor and a clear mind. His approach is that of an analyst, logical, rational. It is almost scary to think in such a way when it comes to human affaires, but that is the Bazerman way. Just take a look at the titles of his books. What I like most about Max is his insistence on creating value, on enlarging the pie.

Jess Salacuse was the third author to approach us at the workshop. Salacuse is great. A negotiator in the strictest sense of the word. The difference with Bazerman is that for Salacuse there is hardly a unique better logical solution to a conflict.

Comments

[Steve Sherlock]

Felix, I look forward to the next time we get together. By the way, how was the Celtic's game?

[Felix Gerena]

The game was not very good. The Celtics played poorly. Paul Pierce did not play due to injury. Rajon Rondo was the best of the green. Gomes and Jefferson played well, too. Telfair played awfully. I think the Celtics have done well not counting on him for the next season. Kendrick Perkins played unconsistently.

For the Pistons, Rasheed was well in defense. Antonio Mc Dyess was a scoring machine, but it was Amir Johnson who made the best shots.

What I liked most about the game was the show at the Garden. The cheerleaders (wow), the music, all that is awesome and you cannot find it in Europe at least at that level.

[Steve Sherlock]

Thanks for the update... interesting how the game has developed where what is more interesting is the non-game activities than the game itself?

That is another reason for you to come back; to see a better game!

[Felix Gerena]

Yes, my sociologist's eye was very aware of what the people sitting beside me were doing. I think some of them spent more time in being part of the show than in watching the game. It was very interesting.

[Tisha]

Oh sounds like you had the most amazing experiences!

[Felix Gerena]

It really was. I definitely fell in love with Boston and the bostonians. Now I must figure out how I can do to go back. :)