Working effectively in an intercultural environment

Teamwork cooperation and communication with colleagues, staff members, business partners and clients from other cultural backgrounds are part of the every-day work life. Some of their behavior patterns surprise or even disturb us. This can lead to distrust and can hinder productivity. Intercultural competences enhance the efficiency of one's own actions and assure success in international and intercultural cooperation.

Benefit/utility of the training:

• Raise awareness of culture´s impact on work habits and the effect of cultural differences
• Recognize and avoid breaking points of intercultural collaboration/cooperation
• Learn techniques of how to handle cultural differences and conflicts
• Tap into the richness of diversity and capitalize on sustainable solutions for cooperation crossing cultural borders
• Optimize contacts with foreign clients and business partners and enhance entrepreneurial success

How does culture influence our behavior?

• Cultural differences
• Communication styles: direct or indirect?
• Misunderstandings in verbal and non-verbal communication
• Presentations, meetings and feedback in other cultures
• Negotiate with different cultures
• Fixed rules or flexibility?
• Contracts and agreements
• Meaning of deadlines
• Individual or group- orientation?
• Self dependent work
• Working in teams
• Hierarchy or participation?
• Leadership
• Need of harmony or attendance to conflicts
• Facing problems without blocking communication hurting/injuring
• Task-orientation or relationship orientation?
• Separation of job and private realm/space
• Developing relationships and trust
• Avoiding stereotypes
• Key skills to succeeding in intercultural environments

Our trainings are interactive. The following methods are used:

• Simulations
• Case studies
• Practical exercises
• Self-assessment exercises
• Films
• Discussion
• Lectures