Search Results for: Careers

Cultural differences among members of any group-be it a multinational business team or an international family-are frequently the source of misunderstanding and can lead to conflict. With powerful techniques for resolving or at least reducing conflicts, scholars and teachers from around the globe demystify the intricate and important relationship between conflict and culture.

Stories, which are at the heart of the book, come from a wide variety of groups and locations, and they give sound counsel for all kinds of settings: business, law, government, non-governmental agencies, schools, communities and families. Conflict across Cultures is written by a new generation of conflict resolution scholars from four parts of the world: Canada, South Africa, Japan and the US. They describe processes and help build the skills necessary for successful conflict resolution. Here is a new framework for understanding others-a map for making progress through differences that can otherwise overwhelm us. Conflict across Cultures offers hope in countering the view that differences must divide us.

Mastering global business requires that leaders and managers fully understand the differences that exist within countries as well as between them. To succeed in China, knowledge of the local culture is essential…but which culture? Many businesspeople are aware that considerable variety exists, but lack the knowledge and tools to leverage this insight. The most successful business strategies rely on embracing the depth and breadth of diversity in local customers, employees and suppliers.

Drawing on the authors’ years of hands-on experience, Global Diversity presents the key cultural variables relevant in eight major markets: China, Egypt, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Each country is explored in depth, especially the culture within cultures, and recommendations are made for realizing local market opportunities as well as creating an inclusive workforce.

Global Diversity takes into account the true variety that exists within each country while enabling every employee in a global enterprise to become an engaged and accountable contributor. Vital cultural insights are presented for: individual managers selling their products and services in foreign markets, expatriates working with headquarters and with subsidiary operations, leaders looking to leverage capabilities of their employees in key growth markets, and diversity professionals who aim to extend corporate diversity initiatives abroad. The final chapter provides a six-step approach to developing an effective global inclusion strategy for any region of the world.

Wholly revised to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Barnga is the classic simulation game for exploring communication challenges across cultures. While playing Barnga, participants experience the shock of realizing that despite their good intentions and the many similarities amongst themselves, people interpret things differently from in profoundly important ways, especially people from differing cultures. Players learn that they must understand and reconcile these differences if they want to function effectively in a cross-cultural group.

The “game” is deceptively simple: participants, broken up into several small groups, play a simple card, never knowing that each group has been given a subtly different set of rules to play by, nor that those rules will change yet again as the game develops and groups of players are reconfigured. Conflicts quickly begin to occur as players move from group to group, simulating real cross-cultural encounters, where people initially believe they share the same understanding of the basic rules and learn to their dismay and confusion that they do not.

In discovering that the rules are different, players undergo a mini culture shock similar to actual experience when entering a different culture. They then must struggle to understand and reconcile these differences to play the game effectively in their “cross-cultural” groups. Difficulties are magnified by the fact that players may not speak to each other but can communicate only through gestures or pictures. In struggling to understand why other players don’t seem to be playing correctly, and with the aid of the facilitator, participants gain insight into the dynamics of cross-cultural encounters.

Work It Out delivers a dynamic way to simplify the complex–and sometimes chaotic–interactions between people at work. With fresh insights on applying the power of personality type in executive coaching, experts Hirsh and Kise have built a solid foundation for helping individuals tap into their strengths, minimize unnecessary conflict, and learn to work more effectively with others. Dozens of hands-on exercises, intervention descriptions, and case studies put the power to implement these teambuilding and coaching strategies into the hands of any manager, consultant, business leader, or HR professional committed to improving communication, reducing stress, fostering sustainable change, and building strong, effective teams in organizations.

As our neighborhoods grow more diverse, a splendid variety of cultures, values and traditions become an important part of our classrooms and schools. In Kids Like Me, 26 personal narratives celebrate the experience of young people making a new home in a strange community—finding common ground as they make new friends, learn English, share their cultural identities, their challenges, successes and dreams. Kids Like Me provides a youthful perspective on the important themes of crossing cultures, immigration and citizenship and learning to appreciate differences. These stories are intended to foster intercultural awareness and sensitivity and encourage individual and community action to assist newcomers in their adjustment. While written to help youth understand their classmates and friends, Kids Like Me also includes discussion questions, self-directed activities and research ideas for teachers and other mentors that can be used in classrooms, youth clubs and community settings. Richly illustrated with photos and maps of each home country, the text presents countless opportunities to explore and understand different cultures and new friends. Young people who have come from all over the world share their stories and invite their new neighbors to see that in so many ways these kids are just like me.

The need to understand Islam and Muslims has never been greater, both because of conflicts that dominate the news and because of the increasing presence of Muslims in Western societies. There are hundreds of books that introduce the Western reader to Islam, and dozens of books that explore various Muslim societies (usually Arab ones).

Islam & Muslims is the first to bring together both, explaining Islam in theory and in practice across the diverse Muslim world. Readers learn not just what Islam says about everything from the nature of God to marriage to prayer to politics, but also how individual Muslims (traditional or modern, devout or barely observant) apply teachings in everyday life.

At last…an indispensable handbook for health care professionals who encounter diverse cultures every day. Immigrant, minority and refugee populations make up a quarter of our population, but special challenges await the doctors, nurses, clinical care providers, social workers, public health professionals and others who care for our diverse population on a daily basis. Some groups lack health insurance, arrive with no medical records or present with unfamiliar conditions. Access to care can be daunting, and often there are significant language barriers. At a fundamental level, basic concepts of what good health is, where disease originates and how to treat illness can vary dramatically from group to group. Health Matters, based on the highly successful handbook from Iowa that has helped scores throughout the nation and abroad, shows how providers – and their institutions – can achieve a level of cultural competence essential for their work. Included in this comprehensive guide are summaries of the experience of 14 cultural groups; strategies for developing culturally appropriate care; and critical information on the cultural patterns, health practices and underlying belief systems of underserved groups. Health Matters is an essential guide for anyone delivering health care in our rapidly changing communities.

Behind the experience and talents cataloged in your resume lies an intrinsic power that fuels your soul and your success: your genius. As ancient as the Greeks, as trendy as New Age, the concept of genius is fully grounded in contemporary life in this powerful journey of self-discovery that takes you right to the core of what makes you unique.

Through dozens of compelling stories of people who have real­ized the transformative power of finding their genius-plus a wealth of practical exercises- Is Your Genius at Work? draws inspiring wisdom from ancient philosophies, spiritual traditions, modern sages, and the author’s twenty years of research and study to help you define and give name to your genius, recognize your life’s purpose, and discover how to bring your genius wholly alive through your life and work.

This is a one-of-a-kind look at Nelson and his leadership skills. Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson has been widely admired as a celebrated and effective leader. His dynamic approach to leadership and management has now been translated into a timeless, practical and contemporary insight for today’s managers.

Nelson’s Way will bring ‘The Nelson Touch’ of luck, inspiration and leadership to everyone. Explaining how Nelson embodies the characteristics of the most successful of leaders, from bravery to determination, inspiration to luck and simplicity to unconventionality. Jones and Gosling explore and examine the self-made legend set against the backdrop of the high-seas, personal sacrifice, debilitating injuries and glorious conquests.

With chapters including: Making Heroes, The Band of Brothers and Creating (and Sustaining) a Legend, Nelson’s Way incorporates the latest research and joins a series of ground-breaking studies applying historical biography to business to create the most comprehensive insight into Nelson, his heroic exploits and legendary leadership skills.

Do you know how to lead people? This is the toughest act required of every supervisor, manager, executive, and CEO. In the face of leadership challenges and increasing pressure to produce results, here is proven guidance for achieving the highest possible performance from your workers—both collectively and individually. Neither abdicating nor dominating, but truly empowering workers is the key. Peer into this newly expanded edition of The Leader’s Window to: • Build and maintain high-performance teams to guarantee long-term success • Expose seven teamwork myths, and revise tactics accordingly • Meet the needs of the people you work for and the people who work for you It’s not easy being a leader, but it is possible to achieve greatness and support long-term success even at the frenetic pace of business as we now encounter it. This book will show you how.

Each year thousands of families throughout the United States and the world open their homes and hearts to international high school exchange students—sharing their own culture and learning about another. As these families face the challenges and joys of hosting, Nancy King’s and Ken Huff ’s Host Family Survival Kit will provide them with valuable information and advice to help ensure that their experience will be a success. Authors King and Huff provide an overview of hosting, defining the role that exchange students play in the host family, outlining the skills needed by host parents and discussing the effect of culture on the host family/exchange student relationship. They then divide the hosting experience into nine stages, making recommendations on what to expect and how to handle day-to-day situations. Throughout, they include insightful quotes and pertinent examples from experienced host families. In this second edition, they have made major revisions to all of the original chapters. In addition, they have added two new chapters and three new appendices. The Host Family Survival Kit is an indispensable guide to the hosting experience, and will leave readers both excited about and well prepared for their role as host parents.

Presence: Exploring Profound Change in People, Organisations and Society gives the reader an intimate look at the development of a new theory about change and learning. In wide-ranging conversations held over a year and a half, Senge, Scharmer, Jaworski and Flowers explore their own experiences and those of one hundred and fifty scientists and social and business entrepreneurs in an effort to explain how profound collective change occurs.

Their journey of discovery articulates a new way of seeing the world, and of understanding our part in creating it – as it is and as it might be. Radical and hopeful – Presence synthesises leading-edge thinking, first-hand knowledge and ancient wisdom to explore the living fields that connect us to one another, to life more broadly, and, potentially, to what is ‘seeking to emerge’.

Seven capacities underlie out ability to see, sense, and realise new possibilities. Developing these capacities accesses a deeper level of learning that is the key to creating change that serves the whole – ourselves, our organisations, and the communities of which we are a part.

No matter where we live of what we do, we deal with people using a wide variety of communication styles every day. At work, in the marketplace and at home, diversity in communication styles presents rich opportunities, yet too often people misunderstand each other. Communication Highwire is an important breakthrough for managers, team leaders, community leaders, educators, trainers and facilitators as they help individuals and teams overcome frustration, prevent mistakes and save time and money.

World-class intercultural trainers and educators share their strategies and techniques-and, most importantly, their tools-to leverage diversity in the modern world. Twenty-six powerful activities are ready to go with little preparation. Developed for the first time in this book, the 5-Factor model (Context, Goals, Values, Self-Concept, Communication Style Repertoire) is presented in an easy-to-use Star Chart approach. A 4-Step process puts it all together: combining Factors and Descriptors to enhance communication. Dozens of examples-stories from international business to politics to community development to family life-make the concepts real and applicable.

Communicating across a variety of styles requires the skills of a tightrope walker, but the rewards to the performers are immense.

This classic study was originally written by Edward Stewart in 1972 and has become a seminal work in the field of intercultural relations. In this edition, Stewart and Milton J. Bennett have greatly expanded the analysis of American cultural patterns by introducing new cross-cultural comparisons and drawing on recent reseach on value systems, perception psychology, cultural anthropology, and intercultural communication.

Beginning with a discussion of the issues relative to contact between people of different cultures, the authors examine the nature of cultural assumptions and values as a framework for cross-cultural analysis. They then analyze the human perceptual process, consider the influence of language on culture, and discuss nonverbal behavior. Central to the book is an analysis of American culture constructed along four dimentions: form of activity, form of social relations, perceptions of the world, and perception of the self. American cultural traits are isolated out, analyzed, and compared with parallel characteristics of other cultures. Finally, the cultural dimentions of communication and their implications for cross-cultural interaction are examined.

Learn how to stay where you are and do what energizes and engages you with this sophisticated yet profoundly practical guide to career fulfillment.

Make It Work delivers expert advice and dozens of smart, easy-to-use tools to help you discover your passions, choose a direction, practice new skills, and do what you love to do-every day.

Finland, Cultural Lone Wolf is the story of an accomplished nation and her extraordinary people. Pursuing a “Lone Wolf” policy, Finland raised itself from a struggling, war-battered state in 1945 to one of the most developed countries in the world.

The exponential rise of Nokia from tire and timbers to leading the world’s telecommunication industry is indicative of the Finns and their characteristic business style. These remarkable people speak a language unique in its origins and have kept their cultural identity intact despite the influences of powerful neighbors, Sweden and Russia.

Uniquely qualified to write about Finalnd, best-selling author Richard Lewis traces the fascinating Finnish origins, as well as her history, geography, values and culture. His extensive experience with Finnish business provides him with keen insight on leadership style, negotiation strategies and the uniquely Finnish suomi-kuva (Finland image). And Lewis shines when describing Finnish humor, complete with hilarious jokes and stories. Finland, Cultural Lone Wolf shows a nation and a writer at their best.

Vietnam stands at a crossroads. Located in the geographical center of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a complex mixture of the ancient and the modern. A Soviet-style legacy contrasts with an emerging Western-style market economy. Vietnam is faced with pressing political, social and economic challenges, and yet it is full of hope and potential. Here is a first look at Vietnam in the twenty-first century, a nation undergoing rapid change and opening up to the world. Dr. Mark Ashwill paints a broad picture of Vietnam, past and present, and explores today’s defining issues. Readers come to understand how a two-thousand-year history of foreign invasion, occupation and war has deeply influenced the Vietnamese character. The Chinese, French and U.S. Americans have all left their imprint. Yet the struggle against oppression has infused the Vietnamese with a fierce spirit of nationalism and caution in their dealings with foreigners. Building relationships and trust as a prelude to doing business are critical to the Vietnamese, whether at home or abroad. Vietnam Today reveals the most prominent characteristics of the Vietnamese: their energy and drive, the dominance of group over individual and the paramount importance of maintaining harmony. In doing so, Ashwill and his Vietnamese contributor shed light on many sources of misunderstanding between Vietnamese and Western professionals. But for those who are prepared to take the time to get to know the people, to move at their pace, and to learn about their culture and history, Vietnam can be a land of promise and opportunity.

This helpful workbook functions as a companion and supplement to Anna Mindess’s earlier book, Reading Between the Signs: A Cultural Guide for Sign Language Interpreters, a recognized classic text for sign language interpreters and ASL students. It is arranged to correspond with the theory presented in the book and expands its focus to the relativity of politeness and the distinction between direct and indirect communication styles, both of which are important elements in comparing Deaf and mainstream cultures. Hands-on exercises allow students to better comprehend the sometimes-puzzling differences of culturally appropriate behavior. The book also helps students explore their own culture as well as the American Deaf culture in ways that reveal the differences between the two. Role play, discussion topics and critical incidents increase first-hand understanding of the relationship between the Deaf and Hearing communities.

As William Gay, distinguished adviser to the last edition, so aptly notes, the United States is “a country that is never what you think it is.” Since that edition was introduced nearly ten years ago, the country has been struggling with troubling, divisive events and issues, especially the September 11, 2001, attacks and the resulting War on Terror.

Despite these extraordinary times, the United States still holds promise and opportunity for those who take the time to understand it. Jef Davis, a seasoned interculturalist and long-time adviser to international travelers, had succeeded as few could in creating an important new version of Living in the U.S.A. that will guide you through the confusing, conflicted, exciting country and its diverse population at an extraordinary time in history. New material and significantly revised chapters help you understand: American Cultures, such as sections on African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native peoples, retirees, gays and lesbians and the disables, underscoring the incredible diversity of culture and values that comprise the American population; Twenty-First Century Issues, for example the continued rise in religious fundamentalism in the U.S. and abroad and the tension between security and personal liberties; Getting Here and Getting Settled, including security at the airport and elsewhere and new and trying immigration regulations.

Short-term visitors to the U.S. will find advice for surviving customs and immigration, finding as apartment, doing business, obtaining health care, and navigating the supermarket, bank, and post office. If you plan to stay longer, you will find practical pointers for getting along at work, school, and at home; buying a house; making and keeping American friends; and understanding dominant American values in a diverse and complex society.

Living in the U.S.A. is a comprehensive guide to attitudes, customs, manners and daily life in the United States.

Customers are key to your success. Make a big difference to them by taking care of the little things that matter – this book contains 50 tips and techniques to create a Buzz that delivers world-class customer service.

In his punchy, accessible guide, well-known author David Freemantle offers simple, helpful advice on forming strong bonds with your clients. Create a Buzz for customer care throughout your company and inspire everyone to Make A Difference (perhaps even form a M.A.D. group!). Inject energy, vitality and warmth into your customer relations; create a Buzz and reap the rewards.

Whether you work with Americans face-to-face, communicate with them by telephone or e-mail or interact together in a virtual team, Americans at Work reveals the subtle and the not-so-subtle aspects of American culture in the workplace.

Best-selling author Craig Storti provides historical perspectives and explanations of the six most important American cultural themes and their relevance to the workplace: “Land of Opportunity” (a driven people), “Go-for-It Mentality” (ready, fire, aim; new is better), “Equality for All” (but don’t forget who’s boss), “The Drive to Achieve” (nice guys finish last), “Live and Let Live” (do your own thing), “Time Matters” (obsession with efficiency).

Learn about straight talk, American style, and how Americans aren’t always as direct as they say they are. Find out why Americans are deeply conflicted about power: they crave it but are loath to be caught craving it. See how Americans view outsiders. Gain tips for succeeding in the American work environment. Finally, get the basics of work-related etiquette: conducting meetings, giving feedback, nonverbal communication, e-mail rules, gifts, taboo topics and so on.

Knowing how Americans work with each other will help you predict their reactions and, more important, their expectations of you. And if you are American, you will be better understand your own behavior and be able to work more effectively with collegues from other cultures.

Whether negotiating a delivery date, launching a local franchise or renting a car in Mexico City, speaking the language and knowing the rules of business are not enough. In any culture where yes can mean no—or sometimes maybe—even giants like Wal-Mart and IBM can make costly mistakes. Mexicans and Americans gets to the heart of our differences and lays the groundwork for cultural fluency. Here is a humorous and insightful firthand look at how to succeed in working with Mexicans—on either side of the border. Steeped in the richness of Mexican culture and history, Ned Crouch helps us understand the most critical elements that determine what works and what doesn’t when Mexicans and Americans come together in business: out different views of time and space, and our construction and use of language. He debunks the manana stereotype and offers specific advice on how to cross the cultural divide that separates us.

For coaches, corporate trainers, human resources professionals, and career counselors-anyone responsible for facilitating professional growth and development in others-TLC at Work offers a start-to-finish process and a comprehensive fieldbook of hands-on, interactive tools.

Drawing on the key concepts of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality inventory and her twenty years of experience working with personality type, award-winning author and consultant Donna Dunning defines and describes-in a measureable way-five core competencies essential for workplace success. She delivers all the practical strategies, assessment tools, and step-by-step advice needed to help employees become self-directed, mindful, skilled communicators, able to learn readily and adapt easily to the challenges of today’s workplace.