Note: where your firm relocates an employee/family to or from the UK, international assignment training programmes are available for adults and children, covering broader social, business, practical living and transition issues.
Why do I need to consider cross-cultural awareness training?
What first impression do your firm's representatives make on prospective clients from overseas? How flexible are they in their interpersonal and business style? Do your managers know what factors to consider when dealing with other nationalities? Whether it is to capitalise on international markets and opportunities in challenging economic times, or to make sure that the internal dynamics of a multi-cultural team are working at their best, cross-cultural awareness training can give you the competitive edge.
What does cross-cultural awareness training involve?
All of our cross-cultural programmes are bespoke. However, to give you an idea, perhaps your company would benefit from a focused session or training day with the following emphasis:
Cross-cultural introduction
An introduction to working effectively across cultures. Highlighting key variation points to watch for, such as degrees of formality or expressiveness, hierarchy, use of humour or styles of disagreeing. Develop your team's intercultural competency, so that they can communicate more flexibly and transparently, as well as more accurately interpret the behaviour or approach of international colleagues and clients.
Cross-cultural awareness for teams
Many participants find that attending such a training enables them to discuss conflicting cultural styles and expectations more openly with colleagues, including when they return to work. We can address specific country cultures or internal challenges (e.g. arising from a merger) where relevant.
Cross-cultural awareness for international networking and relationship-building
Ensure that your company's representatives have a flexible and culturally aware approach to developing relationships with existing and prospective clients. We introduce key factors to consider such as varying levels of eye contact, topics of conversation, business card etiquette, demonstrating/accepting hospitality and degrees of expressiveness. We can incorporate general best practice networking where relevant.
Cross-cultural awareness with a country focus
We offer selected country focus insights, so we may be able to incorporate a particular country focus and a country specialist into your bespoke Cross-Cultural Awareness programme. Please enquire.
