Thorough preparation goes a long way when you’re embarking on a foreign assignment - even for the Queen of Britain. In April 2004, The Times reported that Queen Elizabeth’s visit to France to mark the anniversary of the “Entente Cordiale” had been a “great success”. It was said that the Queen’s sureness of touch on matters French, ranging from her conversations on walkabouts, her use of French, and her references to music, sport and fashion “greatly impressed” her hosts. Andrew Pierce reported that the Queen had enlisted the services of a coach living in London to brief her on all matters French – and help prepare her speeches - before her visit.
The objective of our seminars and workshops is to help your team achieve an effective and friendly working relationship with foreign colleagues. These sessions will offer practical advice on the business environment and help participants gain a deeper understanding of what makes their counterparts tick. The aim is to go beyond simplistic ‘do’s and don’ts’ and provide some answers to ‘why’ people behave, communicate and manage in a different manner from ourselves.
The following is a good example of the difference between the more task-focused business cultures of Northern Europe and the relationship-centred cultures of southern Europe.
© Bridgehead Associates 2006
