Seminar: Working with international partners – developing cultural awareness
Building efficient international teams. Improving cross-border business relationships.
Cultural awareness seminar programme for anyone whose work sees them interact with stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds. Explore the theory which explains how and why people think and act in different ways in response to the same set of circumstances and challenges.
Seminar objectives: Participants learn how to appreciate the impact culture has on the way we all conduct business and how to celebrate and utilise diversity to create strong, dynamic and effective teams.
Duration: 1 day, e.g. 9 am to 4 pm
Preparation
- Before starting the course, participants identify challenges they have experienced dealing with stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds. How did they manifest themselves and how were they resolved (if, indeed, they were)?
Content
- What is culture?
- Why is cultural awareness important in business?
- There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to conduct business, just ‘different’ ways
- The theory of culture
- Comparison between different cultures and the potential clashes in a business scenario – how to avoid them
- Overview of cultural behaviours, dos and don’ts in key target countries
- What are your core values, and how are they reflected in your business life? Are they the same/different from your colleagues – internal and external?
Methods
- Interactive group discussions about challenging scenarios, reasons and effective resolutions
- Theory trainer input
- Critical thinking
- Analysis of real life case studies
Handbook, quick reference cards and seminar service
- Detailed seminar handbook and handouts with exercises
- A5 quick reference cards as a brief summary
- Supplementary material and photographic minutes by email
- Support after the seminar: simply by email or using the Knowledge Blog – participants are welcome to ask questions and request tips after the seminar
Your communications skills trainer:
Cameron Paul studied German, French and Japanese in New Zealand. During his master's degree, he specialised in translation into his native language, English.
After his certification, he worked as a trainer in New Zealand, Japan, France, and England and now lives and works as a communication trainer in the Munich area.
For more than 25 years he has been supporting companies, individuals, and groups as a trainer, coach and mediator on topics such as professional communication, conflict management, group dynamics and decision-making processes.
Particular areas of expertise include the automotive industry (technology and management development), the chemical industry (diagnostics, biochemistry and silicone technology), lighting and electronics, software development for safety systems, psychology and psychotherapy, group leadership.
- Qualifications: Master (M. A.) in French Literature and Translation; Bachelor (B. A.) in German, French and Japanese; Numerous advanced training courses in the areas of training, group dynamics and personal development
- Activities: Communication trainer, coach and mediator, Psychological counsellor, Training in communication skills in English
- Seminar languages: English, German, French