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 Swedish culture

• A Scandinavian kingdom
• A historical heritage heavily influenced by the nearby environment
• The Welfare State
• European challenges

3. The impact of values and behaviour patterns on professional dealings and relationships

• The family and equality
• Consensus and kindliness
• Self-control and mastering one's emotions
• "A healthy mind in a healthy body"
• An organised view of time
• The meanings attached to festivals, celebrations and collective enjoyment

4. The Swedish corporate world

• A harmonious nation
• High-performance working methods with a human touch
• The State’s role as a "safety net"

Module 2 : Succeeding in work with the Swedes

1. Effective communication with the Swedes

• The importance of networking
• Frankness and clarity during discussions
• Learning to speak Swedish: a sound investment
• The working language: the role of the interpreter

2. Adapting your working methods

• Establishing your credibility: discipline, experience and commitment
• Building trust and confidence: a willingness to listen and collective decision-making
• Getting to know people, showing respect and giving praise where it's due
• Thinking and acting methodologically
• Pitfalls to be avoided

3. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Swedes

• Clarity and conciseness
• Following proposals with action
• Efficiency through responsiveness
• Time, priority and deadline management
• Understanding written contracts, their interpretation and implications
• Organising the post-negotiation phase

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