Managing across Cultures
3 day course
International project teams, International managers - it is just not the same job as back home!
“We agree a course of action and then deadlines slip, decisions become un-made, targets change. And it seems so reasonable to the other nationalities involved!”
“Some of our colleagues are so pushy for the bottom line on this deal that they damage longer term relationships.”
“How can anyone be upset by the idea of an individual merit award.”
You will learn to:
- Manage people successfully across cultural differences
- Manage projects to get results reliably
- Motivate, appraise and reward in ways that work
- Understand the impact of culture on behaviour
- Recognise cultural differences and avoid surprises
- Build stronger relationships with your colleagues
What do we mean by Culture?
Even in this cosmopolitan world we grow up immersed in the (unspoken) rules and values of our native country. These affect our perceptions, judgements, motivation and behaviour patterns. In this workshop, through consideration of culture we get beneath the surface of forms of behaviour to begin to understand how other people think. As a result we are more able to reconcile the differences by taking the other person’s viewpoint into account as we express our ideas and desires. This course is not simply a set of social Do’s and Don’ts. It will help you to understand the basis for behaviour – and enable you to act accordingly.
Course Benefits
In the global economy, management activity crosses national boundaries more and more. Trans-national take-overs, mergers and alliances are common – but the success rate is very low. Whether the issue is ensuring completion of subcontracted work in another country or motivating a multi-national workgroup together in one office, blindness to fundamental cultural difference will lead to frustration, conflict and low productivity. Participants in this workshop will become more able to understand how others think and then to act in ways that get the best from their diverse groups.
In particular you will learn how to
- Get international projects running more smoothly
- Increase motivation reliably
- Reduce conflict within your team
- Increase effectiveness and productivity
- Become a successful “International Manager”
Who should attend?
Managers, Team Leaders and Consultants who are trying to get the best from multi-national groups (either located together in one place or spread over different country offices); Those responsible for the work of “off-shore” groups; Anyone frustrated by the work performance of “foreigners”, or interested in what makes different people tick.
COURSE CONTENT
What is Culture?
- The roots of influence
- Effect of informal education on behaviour
- The Parameters of Difference in culture
- Effects on management decisions
- Value and dangers of stereotyping
Understanding Our Own Culture
- How you are positioned on the CRATUS Parameters of Difference?
- Communications Directness
- Relational Value
- Achievement of Status
- Time Orientation
- Universality
- Self-Disclosure
Origins of culture
- How others see us
- Cultural Variations
- Building profiles of key countries
- Including UK, USA, France, Germany, Japan, India, Others of specific interest
- Crossing Cultures Checklist – know what to look for when encountering a different culture.
Management Styles
- Fundamental management styles in target cultures
- Leadership and Team working
- Motivation, Reward and Accountability
- Status, representation and promotion
Project Management
- Agreements and the paper they are not written on
- Gaining commitment
- Ensuring progress
- Managing contract creep
Action Planning
For more information or a discussion on how this course could benefit your organisation call +44 1279 504429 or email us 
.