Executives on the move

Executives on the move

Within a short period of time, people are now able to travel anywhere in the world, coping quite well with jet lag, climatic changes and different food and accommodation.

Communication is, however, considerably more of a hurdle. Just consider the importance of language, especially one's mother tongue: 14% of the world's population speak Mandarin only, 8% Hindi and/or Bengali, and about 5% have Spanish or English as their mother tongue. In addition to this, about 20% also speak English as a second language.

Behaviour, the use of emotions, taboos, political, economic and ways of thinking differ from culture to culture, tribe to tribe, social group to social group. Often these are unknown, intangible and invisible, and therefore not even considered.

In order to communicate constructively with one another, one has to become aware of one's own behaviour, values, beliefs, background, traditions, and religion. Knowing oneself is the first step in understanding a foreign partner, no matter how well he or she speaks one's own mother tongue.

And there is a difference between a short-term assignment or business trip and a longer-term stay in a foreign culture where one becomes a resident of that country. Long-term assignments present challenges in many more aspects of work and life.

• Build self awareness and crosscultural competence
• Enable the executive and partner to become aware of their background, values and beliefs, communication style and personality type
• Become aware of the company's culture, vision, strengths and strategies - their own and those of the business partner in a foreign culture
• Become aware of the different national identities, values and beliefs
• Enable executives to be better prepared ahead of their assignment and thus be effective more quickly
• Decide for themselves the most satisfying way of investing time and energy in local activities

• Coaching is an ideal process for building self awareness and is used throughout
• We have developed a coaching process that will uncover the core issues and integrate them into competent crosscultural communication.
• We are available pre-departure, upon arrival and during repatriation on short notice
• We remain flexible and available, on the spot and via telephone, as and when the need arises.