Practical Workshop Description
While English is the international language of business, there are significant challenges facing foreigners when doing business in Anglo Saxon countries. The superficial similarities in vocabulary, behavior, eating or dressing styles, can lead you to think that everyone acts the same way when doing business. In this workshop you will learn that sitting just below the surface are a whole set of rules of conduct for doing business that are country specific and MUST be respected. Learning to dissect the nuances and subtitles for doing business in each country and using this knowledge to your advantage will ensure that your objectives move forward.
In this interactive, multi-media workshop, you will gain critical knowledge and tools for understanding both the culture and business environment of the Anglo Saxon world. You will learn critical thinking and communication strategies that will give you a greater sense of confidence and direction. You will also understand how balancing your own personal style with ideas from the new culture can become powerful resources for successfully launching your business.
During each session, you will have an opportunity to participate in case study, role play and simulation activities that will have practical application in the Anglo Saxon business environment. The development of a carefully chosen communication skill will complement the session's learning objectives. This activity will be filmed for evaluation and feedback with the specific purpose of enhancing your business prospects.
Objectives
A close examination of the Anglo Saxon business environment should provide you with:
- A good understanding of how business is conducted from country to country
- A clear picture of how cultural interchange and the flow of information affect business practices
- A vehicle for managing the business landscape
- A way to build and maintain relationships with partners and clients
- A grasp of cultural knowledge and business etiquette
- A set of tools for successfully implementing communication strategies
- A system for overcoming hurdles that may impede success
- A mechanism for monitoring your progress after completion of the workshop
Session 1 - Overview of Anglo Saxon Business Culture (afternoon session)
A quick summary of the business culture that challenges our assumptions and beliefs about doing business with Anglo Saxons. In this phase of the workshop, you will learn how and why you filter knowledge through your own cultural lens. You will learn why it's important to understand "self" prior to delving into exploration of the "other". Examining you own behavior and value system will give you a clearer picture on what is going on in the foreign culture. Themes that will be considered are:
- Globalization of Anglo Saxon culture
- Stereotypes
- Understanding country differences
- Cultural dimensions
- Task orientation
- Hierarchy
- Communication patterns
Skill Training: Small Talk
How to break the ice and get others to listen to what you have to say
Session 2 - Focus on the UK
Gaining a foothold in the UK business world can be quite a daunting task. Understanding the range of subtitles and nuances that are unique to the British character is paramount to establishing business relationships. Learning how behaviors and attitudes reflect a particular set of cultural rules is key to overcoming personal and professional bias that may inhibit successful business practices. In this phase of the workshop, you will learn the intricacies of doing business in the U.K. via an in-depth knowledge of the business and cultural environment. You will also engage in hands-on activities that simulate every day business practices. Topics will include:
- U.K. history and the socio-political environment
- Cultural values, beliefs and customs
- The British character: accountability, fairness, "stiff upper lip"
- Communication patterns: indirectness, subtlety, nuance, sense of humor
- Business and economic environment
- Organizational behavior: status, hierarchy, following the rules
- Company culture: work styles and management practices
- Sales and marketing strategies: old school vs. new reality
- Challenges for penetrating the British market: carefully focusing your business objectives
Skill Training: Handling Meetings
How to understand what is really going on and get your objectives met
Session 3 - Focus on the USA
Obtain essential tools and tricks for doing business in the world's largest economy. Success depends entirely on understanding the American character and carefully maneuvering through the minefield of the American business landscape. Being able to survive in this fast paced, highly demanding culture requires insight, flexibility and tenacity. In this phase of the workshop, you will learn how to maximize your competitive advantage for doing business in the United States via intake of up-to-date information and participation in practical hands-on activities. Topics to be covered include:
- U.S. history, social-political environment, federalism, etc.
- Cultural values, beliefs and customs
- The American character: individualism, self reliance, resiliency, risk taking, etc.
- Communication styles and negotiation practices: directness, urgency, the "hard sell"
- Business and economic environment
- Organizational behavior: meritocracy, dynamics, expectations
- Human capital: how human resources drive US businesses
- Company culture: work styles and management practices
- Sales and marketing: challenges and competitiveness in the new world order
- The business plan: how to drive your objectives forward
Skill Training: Win-Win Negotiation
How to use your culture to your advantage when playing "hard ball" American style
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