Working with the United Kingdom
Module 1 : Understanding 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 British culture
- An island kingdom proud of its identity
- A multi-ethnic population
- A class system characterised by tradition
- A thousand year history. A complex Parliamentary monarchy.
- One of the world's leading economic powers
- A two speed educational system
3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships
- The family: a sign of social identity
- A state religion open to the world: the basics of Anglicanism
- The influence of tradition on British open-mindedness
- A respect for rank, order, individualism and freedom
- "Time is money", sport and surpassing one’s own capabilities
- Composure and humour: managed detachment
4. The British corporate world
- Structure, hierarchy, control
- The social partners (management and employees’ representatives)
- Working methods and the notion of quality
- Professional relationships
Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the British
1. Effective communication with the British
- English: a complex language with a host of possible nuances
- Non-verbal communication, verbal language and irony: hidden messages
- Forthrightness and euphemisms
- The role of networking
2. Adapting your working methods
- Appearance and formality
- Achieving personal credibility: punctuality, honesty, reliability
- Effective management: efficiency, accessibility and bearing
- Fair play: a rejection of favouritism. Joint decision-making
- Respect for the individual
- Isolating conflicts
- Relationships in and out of work: avoiding confusion
- Pitfalls to be avoided
3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the British
- Breaking the ice to build trust and confidence
- Speaking and behaving in a professional manner
- The importance of meeting deadlines
- Attitudes to contracts and their implications
4. Final handy tips
- Caution, patience and humility
- Protocol and etiquette
- Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code, etc
- Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion
- British humour, the role of the pub
Public Courses
- 2 on-site days (Paris)
or - 3 remote half-days
Corporate Training Solutions
You wish to organise a specific training course, contact us.