Spain - Working and dealing with the Spanish
Benefits of Attendance
The aim of this seminar is to significantly improve the participants’ effectiveness in their professional relationships with the Spanish, enabling them to be operational right from the start.
At the end of this training, participants will have acquired insights and techniques to:
- Be aware of their own cultural baggage
- Fully understand Spanish context and culture
- Analyse possible situations in which misunderstandings may arise and identify ways of communicating
- Reduce stress and misunderstandings
- Decipher and understand Spanish decision-making and negotiation processes
Training Approach
- Exercises and case studies based on the experience of participants in the company
- Personalized action plan and cross-cultural strategies
- Access to the Nomad’ Network, an exclusive online tool for Akteos’ clients and experts: find resources, exchange experiences, knowledge and insights
Programme Outline
Module 1 : Understand cultural differences
1. Intercultural awareness : The key to success in international business
- Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
- The basics of effective intercultural management
- Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes
2. Key aspects of Spanish culture
- A diverse and multilingual country
- Regional identity: a kingdom with 17 "autonomías"
- A proud cultural and artistic heritage
- The prestige and problems of Spanish history. A vibrant economy
- The educational system
3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships
- A catholic and family-oriented tradition: forthrightness and honesty
- Men and women: separate roles
- The importance of status, pride and honour
- The Spanish paradox: when self expression meets propriety
- A community spirit: a love of festivities and conviviality
- Attitudes to risk and uncertainty
- A notion of time adapted to the environment
4. The Spanish corporate world
- The notion of good manners in Spanish companies
- The vital role of the manager: a team spirit
- The importance attached to individual ambition
- The market, employment, turnover
- The role of the state and of the authorities
Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Spanish
1. Effective communication with the Spanish
- Castilians and Catalans... the many faces of the Spanish nation
- The role of the interpreter
- Words and gestures: explicit statements, formality and familiarity
- Social and professional networks
2. Adapting your working methods
- Effective management: authority, simplicity and compassion
- A healthy social instinct, adapting to the pace of others
- Motivation and praise: rewards and opportunities
- Conflict resolution: forthrightness and respect
3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Spanish
- Punctuality, discipline, appearance
- Ensuring personal credibility: earning respect
- An ability to see the bigger picture and a willingness to listen
- Building loyalty in partnerships
4. Final handy tips
- Caution, patience and humility
- Protocol and etiquette
- Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code, etc
- Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion
- Humour: a double-edged sword
