CULTURE AND CUSTOM
With the growth of multinational companies and increased trading across borders dealing with difference and diverse cultures is something that many of us experience. Communication, behaviours, expectations and ways of working are different. This can cause misunderstanding, increased anxiety and potentially a missed opportunity.

Working positively with different people and different cultures can be a positive experience and create new business for you and your organisation. Awareness of business and social culture in your customer’s country can build you an advantage

What can go wrong?

Misinterpreting actions or behaviour of your business contacts.
Not being sensitive to the needs of others in your international team.
Mismatch in pace of working or attitude to work.
Not communicating your needs clearly and missing deadlines.
Making social faux-pas at dinners or receptions.
Creating anxiety and defensiveness in the team.

What are the benefits of being culturally aware?

Being aware of what to expect from your international contacts.
Increasing your observation and listening skills, spotting difference.
Improving your flexibility, and ability to build rapport.
Increasing your self awareness, self control and empathy.
Accepting other people’s values whilst holding to your own.
Communicating your needs with positive intentions. A win-win.

How can we help you?

Understanding your current experience. Where are you starting from?
Building your knowledge of different ways of working.
Helping you to observe and to hear differences.
Building your emotional intelligence to give you new tools.
Asking the question “what is happening here, what can I learn?”
Role play and preparation for meetings and negotiations.