Courses
Our courses follow a multi-step process of needs assessment through consultations, goal & target setting, implementation, practice, participant evaluation and if required a trainee follow up program. All training is student focused and results-driven. Materials are up to date and industry related therefore offering true-tailor made packages to meet your individual corporate needs. Course duration and intensity can be altered depending on needs. A regular course such as Effective Teleconferencing is normally carried out over a 12-week period however if participants have strong language ability the same course could be offered as a weekend intensive package.
Sales Training
What are your sales targets?
Whether you need to reach a quota, close more sales, increase overall sales revenue, or shorten your sales cycle we can help you achieve these targets through our comprehensive professional sales training programs. We do this by coaching sales professionals in proven sales strategies and processes.
What is a sales cycle and how do we achieve success?
Sales cycles vary and within the cycle there are so many suggested methodologies that it can be difficult to decide which is the best. We don’t believe that there is “one best way.” A sales professional who has knowledge of various strategies, and who is able to choose the most suitable depending on the situation, has a much higher chance of success. The following is an example of a sales cycle:
Stage 1: Identifying clients, arranging introductions and building relationships(Research Skills)
Stage 2: Building rapport and discovering vital information (Questioning skills)
Stage 3: Presentation skills (Making a pitch)
Stage 4: Collaborative negotiating techniques (getting to yes / getting past no)
Stage 5: Closing the sale (assertiveness)
Our program starts by reviewing needs-based selling. One famous needs-based methodology is“SPIN”, which for many years has been at the forefront of sales skill development. In recent years however, many sales gurus have been suggesting that needs-based selling techniques such as SPIN are outdated. The best sales professionals have changed their focus to reflect the increasing influence of “wants” and “values” on the modern consumer. Sales people who can present their products in ways that satisfies clients’ needs and wants, whilst also matching their values, have the best chance of maximizing success rates.
Needs are based on problems. They are logical and based on facts whereas wants are more emotional and are often the true motivation behind purchasing decisions.
Consider the statement: “I need to start a pension because I want to provide for my family when I retire.” What is more powerful when selling - to identify the need or the want?
The chance of success is much greater if a salesperson can tap into both motivations. Clients are much more likely to buy what they need from a sales person who knows what they want.
Our training focuses not only on discovering needs, but also on understanding true wants and exploring client values. We do this by combining the best techniques from need, want and value-based selling techniques, and incorporate these throughout the sales cycle. Our program covers all aspects of successful selling, from asking the “right” questions to delivering a presentation that satisfies client wants and values.
Examples of sales models and materials used on course:
- Sales skills diagnostic test
- Stakeholder analysis models
- USP analysis tools and grids
- Needs-based selling techniques
- Wants-based and value-based selling models
- * (Optional Unit) Consultative selling techniques (Channel sales)
- Client-focused sales presentations
- Negotiating “Win/Win” solutions (Getting to yes)
- * (Optional Unit) Negotiating difficult situations (Getting past no)
- Assertive thinking
- Skill-tracking strategies
What are the benefits to your organization?
Our in-depth pre-course sales assessments help identify gaps in existing sales strategies. This makes both individual and organizational development transparent and easier to track.
Trainees learn various sales communication skills (not just one-way). This allows them to become more flexible, improve success rates and ultimately increase sales revenues.
Staff ability in planning, managing and using time effectively is improved, increasing productivity and motivation.
Our intensive tracking program helps staff continuously improve and helps your organization identify ROI.
For full course outline please feel free to email us
Creative Brainstorming
Creative Brainstorming
“It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.” Edward De Bono
Creative thinking is essential in business. If your organization can find a way to provide something faster, stronger or better than competitors eventually it will be successful. The ability to generate new ideas plays a major role in the level of success an organization achieves. Consider some of the most successful and innovative organizations in today’s business world: Facebook, Apple and Amazon have all encouraged and demanded innovation and creativity from their staff. Idea generation is therefore crucial and the brainstorming process, if employed effectively, is an invaluable tool. If participants cannot creatively participate then the process is doomed. Equally if there is creativity without objectives, criteria or control then the session will end without a satisfactory outcome.
Unfortunately many brainstorming sessions fall into the latter category. Factors that limit the effectiveness of brainstorming include poor management, dominating participants, negative thinking, criticism, perceived gaps in knowledge and/or superiority, topic fixation, language and cultural differences. Considering all these challenges it is easy to see why brainstorming is so often unproductive. Creativity is often suppressed due to our upbringings, education and cultural influences both from society and our organizations. Nevertheless, we all have the potential to contribute meaningfully to brainstorming activities provided we can overcome these challenges.
Our training program re-introduces participants to creative thinking through innovative group based projects and activities. We attempt to change participants’ mindsets by encouraging them to see problems as creative challenges. Participants take part in workshops using various verbal, written and visual brainstorming concepts. Each participant also learns how to be an effective brainstorming moderator. This part of the training guides participants in how to set objectives, clear (SMART) goals and criteria. Creating the correct environment is also essential when brainstorming so all participants will be introduced to innovative warm-up activities that can greatly help in creating a positive group atmosphere.
For full course outline please feel free to email us
Assertiveness in Global Organizations
Assertiveness in Global Organizations
Assertive people are highly valued commodities in global businesses but what exactly is assertiveness and why is it so highly valued? Assertiveness is a mode of both verbal and non-verbal communication. Assertiveness is a behavior, which positively affirms ones point of view without aggression. Assertive people often have high self-esteem and are less likely to be intimidated or become submissive in communicative situations. Assertive people are comfortable expressing their feelings while also remaining objective and are able to build and maintain comfortable relationships.
In culturally diverse organizations assertive communication is vital. There are many times when we need to persuade and influence others to understand and accept our point of view in order to achieve specific goals. Assertive communication can strengthen our relationships, reduce stress from conflict and provide us with support when facing difficult times.
In global meetings, for example, proactive participation, positive attitudes and logical thinking are crucial to success. Unfortunately many meeting participants are not assertive, leading to poor outcomes and potentially poor business performance. However we are not all born assertive; it is something we can learn and develop over time. There are many barriers to assertive behavior including personal or cultural issues but we can all learn how to overcome these barriers.
Our assertiveness training program creates self-awareness of ones own communication style by identifying strengths and weaknesses. We then focus on some of the barriers - personal, cultural and language - which prevent us from becoming more assertive. Once all barriers have been identified we help participants overcome them through practical business communication workshops. Participants practice assertive behaviors and skills through practical simulated business activities, such as meetings, negotiations and team building. All activities are supported with modern theory from experts in fields such as personal development and cognitive behavior. Activities give participants the opportunity to practically build assertive behaviors and further understand the importance of assertiveness. Throughout the course all participants continuously develop and improve their core communication skills while building higher levels of confidence in global business situations.
For full course outline please feel free to email us
Conflict Management in Global Organizations
Conflict Management in Global Organizations
“Almost 30% of all decision-making processes end up in conflict. The challenge for every team is how to effectively implement conflict resolution strategies.”
It's clear from this estimate that effective conflict resolution skills are a necessary skill for all successful business people. Conflict is an unavoidable part of all business functions and an inability to deal with it effectively can be a major handicap to any organization. Conflict comes in many guises and, as a result of our differing communication styles, can vary enormously in complexity.
This complexity can be exacerbated by cultural differences such as those between “high context” societies and “low context” societies. According to Edward T. Hall Americans – as members of a low-context culture – tend to view conflict in business as an opportunity. This perspective leads to a collaborative approach in order to develop stronger solutions. By contrast, in high-context societies such as Japan conflict is usually avoided. Harmonious relationships are often more important than issue-based problem solving, resulting in an accommodating response to disputes.
Both strategies have merit in certain situations but can be damaging in others. The ability to adjust one's approach according to the needs of the situation – regardless of cultural background – is an invaluable tool in improving conflict management.
Our training program begins by creating self-awareness of participants’ own conflict resolution style. We use a renowned conflict resolution personality test, which highlights participants' tendencies and behaviors in conflict. New skill sets and strategies are then taught, enabling participants to better manage conflict both individually and as part of a group. Participants also learn how to use different communication strategies in different situations and also how to control difficult counterparts more effectively. Our course also includes a heavy cultural content highlighting the potential barriers culture creates.
For full course outline please feel free to email us
Effective Teleconferencing
A Practical Course for Global Teleconferencing
In today’s global business environment effective use of teleconference style meetings has become vital. In addition to bringing together global team members and clients from around the world, such meetings also offer considerable cost savings whilst reducing traveling time for key staff. As a result, employees who can operate effectively in teleconference meetings can add great value to a business and contribute to its success.
Holding teleconference meetings should be an easy decision for all successful organizations but unfortunately many people are unable to make the most of this powerful business tool. Typically participants worry about being able to actively participate in such conferences; some dread them, particularly if required to chair a meeting. This can sometimes cause participants to freeze, remain silent, panic in the face of direct questions or fail to adequately express their point of view. Such problems can be magnified for participants using a second language and as a result these meetings can deteriorate rapidly.
The Effective Teleconferencing course is designed to greatly improve employees’ ability to facilitate and participate in remote meetings. It does this by building participant confidence and training them in the 3 P’s of teleconferencing: Planning, Process and Protocol. Where necessary it will also build their language skills. The course is designed to give all participants the opportunity to actively communicate and develop their abilities in a supportive, functional and stimulating atmosphere.
Course Outline
Introduction / Course outline / Discussion on Teleconferencing (Planning, Process & Protocol / Cultural issues and differences associated with global teleconferencing
Pre-Conference Planning / Reviewing effective agendas and what to include / Participant numbers / Differences and similarities with face-to-face meetings / Technology issues
Chairing a Teleconference meeting / Opening a conference / Controlling / Keeping pace & staying on schedule / Dealing with interruptions / Including all participants / Dealing with difficult participants / Dealing with lack of visual stimulus / Summarizing / Closing effectively
Conference Participation / Process & Protocol / Small-talk / diplomatically interrupting / Active and productive participation skills / Supporting opinions / Clarifying & Confirming / Active listening techniques / Voice delivery and control (Pronunciation, intonation and positive tone.)
Post Conference, this section will include: Making effective action plans / sending out minutes and recordings / follow up activities
Language Development / Focused and targeted language support and materials are provided throughout the program.
Actual Teleconference / meeting practice which will be assessed / feedback sessions
Effective teleconferencingA typical course for 4-6 participants is usually conducted over 10 -12 sessions (depending on participant numbers) with a two-hour lesson being held once every 2 weeks. Each session starts with a review of a particular skill. This is then followed with an actual teleconference meeting simulation ending with constructive feedback. Ideally class participants will each facilitate twice. Participants prepare or receive a relevant agenda, send it to the other participants, then facilitate the actual meeting. This course is structured to give stimulating and relevant training and ultimately improve all participants' teleconferencing skills.
Course can also be offered as a 2 to 3 day intensive program.
Presentation Skills
High-Impact Presentations for Global Audiences
In today’s business world many employees are increasingly being asked to present their ideas to global audiences. An effective presentation can be crucial to “getting that contract” or simply building a strong relationship, but creating and then delivering a good presentation is often a difficult task. Many professional people find themselves overwhelmed by the various factors contributing to the successful delivery of a presentation. The fine line between success and failure means that organizations cannot afford to leave this to chance.
A successful presentation is one that has a clear objective, takes into account audience needs and is stimulating for listeners. This sounds simple but unfortunately even the most confident of people can lose their audience or rely too much on slides and technology. Others might be so nervous about the presentation that they memorize everything and give a pitch perfect presentation but neglect any audience interaction. Then there are people who overload their presentation and try to cram in too many details. Japanese professionals may also have to overcome a language barrier and take into account the differences between Japanese and Western presentation styles.
The Presentation Skills course is designed to develop participants’ existing skills so that when the course is completed they can deliver a professional and stimulating presentation. It does this by building students’ confidence and training them in the most up-to-date effective presentation styles. The course also develops language and cultural awareness by illustrating the major differences between western and Japanese style presentations. The course allows for participants to actively communicate and develop their skills in a supportive, functional and stimulating atmosphere.
Course Outline
Introduction / Course outline / Presentation preparation / Understanding & Knowing audience needs / Cultural differences
Effective Introductions and High Impact Thesis / Physical Skills / “Hooking” the audience effectively / Communication styles / Smooth transition
Using Visual aids / Describing trends / Highlighting and Emphasizing / Effective slides
The Main Body / Audience participation & needs / Listing information / Voice training & effective delivery skills / Linking ideas / Sequencing / Transition skills
Summarizing & Concluding / Active Listening / Closing effectively
Handling Questions / Clarifying & Confirming questions / Delaying phrases
Student Presentation practice (Presentations will be assessed and followed by group feedback sessions)
The Presentation Skills course is usually conducted over a 12-week period with a 90-minute lesson being held once a week. The first 8 weeks are used to cover the theory side of presentations with students actively participating in discussion and controlled presentation practice. The final 4 weeks of the course are designed to give each individual student the chance to put everything they have learned into practice. They will each prepare a relevant presentation and deliver it to the other participants. The participants are expected to listen then contribute to Q &A sessions after or during the presentation. The course is structured to give stimulating and relevant training and ultimately improve all participants’ presentation skills.
(Course structure can be altered depending on amount of students and language level)
Meeting Skills
Cross-Cultural Meeting Skills for International Business
In all global organizations regular meetings with visiting global team members, project managers and international staff are regular occurrences. They encompass everything from decision-making to information sharing to sales meetings. These meetings and many more are vital to company growth, prosperity and staff motivation. Employees who can operate effectively in these kinds of situations are highly valued and can greatly contribute to their organization’s success.
Unfortunately many people still can’t participate effectively in global meetings. There are many issues that can negatively affect a meeting and make it less productive. In addition to the obvious language barrier, cultural differences in methods, behavior, attitude and protocol can play important roles. Even when a meeting is progressing well enthusiasm – whilst welcome - can lead native English speakers to unintentionally accelerate their speaking patterns. Non-native speakers can be left behind. These participants may react negatively and lose confidence, be unwilling to contribute, or lose face.
The Meetings Skills course is designed to greatly improve all participants’ global meeting skills ability. It does this by building students’ confidence levels and global language ability. Participants will learn to understand the differences in Protocol in Western and Eastern style meetings. They will not only understand the differences but once the training is completed they will be able to function effectively in the international arena. The course not only trains staff to participate effectively but also to create agendas, make effective action plans and chair meetings. The course is designed to give all participants the opportunity to actively communicate and develop their abilities in a supportive, functional and stimulating atmosphere.
Course Outline
Introduction / Course Outline / Getting the basics right / Discussion on meeting purposes / Participants / Japan versus Western perspective / Cross-cultural tips
Pre-Meeting Planning / making effective agendas / participants and who to invite / establishing a meetings purpose
Chairing a meeting / Chairpersons role and responsibilities / Facilitation Techniques / Controlling / Time-keeping / Opening a meeting / Dealing with interruptions / Asking for opinions / Clarifying & Confirming / Closing effectively / Diplomacy
Meeting Participation / Stating and giving supported opinions / Interrupting / Agreeing & Disagreeing / Clarifying and confirming / Active listening techniques / Delaying decisions
Types of Meetings and Extended Practice, this will include: Brainstorming / Decision making / Information Share / Internal meetings
Post Meeting / Making effective action plans / Follow up activities / Meeting review for improving future meetings
Actual meeting practice which will be assessed / Feedback sessions
The Meeting Skills course is usually conducted over a 12-week period with a 90-minute lesson being held once a week. The first 8 weeks are used to cover the theory side of meetings with students actively participating in discussion and, where possible, review industry related case studies. The course is designed to be very hands-on and gives all participants the opportunity to develop their confidence, meeting skills and language ability. The final 4 weeks of the course are structured to give the participants the opportunity to put everything they have learned into practice. They will each prepare a relevant agenda, send it to the other participants then facilitate the actual meeting.
Course structure can be altered depending on amount of students and language levels
Effective Negotiating
Successful Negotiations in the Global Workplace
For professional people negotiating is a part of life as knowingly or unknowingly we negotiate almost every day. In the modern global business environment the expanding range of situations requiring negotiation – winning contracts, procurement, developing joint ventures and resolving internal and external conflicts to name but a few – dictate that effective negotiating skills are a must for most employees. Employees who are able to successfully negotiate on a global scale are vital to the success of an organization and are valuable resources.
Successful negotiators possess many important characteristics, including empathy, pro-activity and pragmatism. They must also be able to identify both their own and their counter-part’s interests, needs and wants. A strong, effective negotiator must be able to separate emotions from the bargaining table. In the modern business world aiming for positional bargaining (win – lose) is not enough especially in resolving conflict. The best negotiators will aim for principled negotiation (win-win) as such outcomes allow both parties to achieve an outcome allowing the development of long-lasting relationships. Understanding all of these factors, particularly when complicated by the necessity to use a second language, is daunting yet vital.
The Effective Negotiating course is designed to improve all of the participants negotiating skills. It trains them how to be assertive but also diplomatic. The course starts with effective preparation techniques then looks at the different styles of negotiating such as sales negotiations and resolving conflict. The course illustrates the “7 key elements” of successful negotiations with a lot of time spent on actual practice. The course also builds participants language skills and confidence.
Course Outline
Introduction / Course Outline / Effective negotiation styles / Types of negotiations
Preparation / Needs, Wants & Interests / Opening statements / Building rapport
Getting what you can / Bargaining / Making concessions / Accepting & Confirming / Summarizing and looking ahead
Conflict in negotiations / dealing with conflict / Accepting & Rejecting / Ending the negotiation
Assertiveness / Explaining Diplomatically / Creating a win – win situation
Student assessment / final negotiation role-plays & scenarios
The Effective Negotiating course is generally conducted over an 8 to 10 week period, with a 90-minute lesson being held once a week. Although negotiating theory is studied throughout the course, it has been designed to be very hands on and participants are expected to take part in regular negotiation practice by using industry related case studies and role-plays. The negotiation role-plays become progressively more complex giving the students the opportunity to challenge and push themselves. The final negotiating exercise will be done as a group and all participants will be assessed followed by productive feedback. The course is designed to give all participants the opportunity to actively communicate and develop their abilities in a supportive, functional and stimulating atmosphere.
Course structure can be altered depending on amount of students and language levels
High Impact Business Emails (E-Learning Course)
A Practical On-Line Course In High Impact Business Email
Writing
In the modern day business world e-mail has become the main source of rapid communication. It has changed the way we do business and has replaced snail mail (letter writing) and for good reason. Email is quicker, more efficient, inexpensive and easier to filter. However although e-mail has changed our business lives it can still cause some problems. Emails are less formal than letters and in western cultures are often very short, informal and direct. However in Japan for example, a country, where formality is traditionally important, this western style of email can cause difficulties. For western business people Japanese business emails can be too long, too formal, indirect and poorly structured. This does not suggest that one style is superior to the other, but these important differences in culture, writing style and language must be dealt with to ensure smooth communication.
Our e-learning business email course addresses all of these problems. We will develop both your informal and formal email writing skills so that you do not need to worry about levels of formality, styles and language any more. The course uses industry related examples of emails. We also supply easy to use templates and flowcharts covering areas of difficulty supported with real practice using simulated emails directly related to your industry. We will train you how to be more assertive and direct. Throughout the course we also develop your language skills.
The High Impact Email Writing course is an on-line e-learning course. The length of course is negotiable depending on the student’s needs and schedule. Participants receive all materials by email and have a personalized tutor. All of our tutors have had corporate experience both internationally and domestically. The experience of our tutors offers potential students an excellent opportunity to develop both their language and high impact business writing skills with people who have real business knowledge. Our tutors send and receive emails based on each course module followed by evaluation, correction and feedback. Course content depends on the student’s language proficiency and is adjusted to match this ability. Tutors offer support and guidance throughout the course and will promptly reply to any request or questions the participant may have.
Course Outline
Module 1: Basics Making Requests
Essential basics in email writing / Making a colleague request (informal) / Making a client request (formal)
Module 2: Accepting & Rejecting
Accepting a colleague’s request / Accepting a request from a client / Rejecting a request from a colleague / Rejecting a request from a client/superior
Module 3: Appointments and Arrangements
Making and changing arrangements with colleagues (Group Emails) / Making and confirming arrangements with clients (Group Emails) / Canceling an appointment with a colleague / Canceling an appointment with a client
Module 4: Complaints and Conflict
Complaining to a work colleague / Complaining to a service provider / Dealing with a complaint I (Apologizing to a colleague) / Dealing with a complaint II (Apologizing to a client or customer)
Module 5: Longer emails (Problem solving and persuading)
Persuasive email to global team members / Persuasive email to client / Other important issues and summary
The high impact business email-writing course has 5 modules. The time given for each module is flexible depending student’s schedule. Typically we send one module at a time. One module includes both formal and informal practice. An exercise such as asking a colleague for help from module 1 has two activities. The first activity is controlled email practice with an email template containing multiple choice style options to choose from. The second and primary activity is free practice. The student is sent a simulated email or scenario. The student then composes the relevant response to the email and sends it back to their tutor. This email is evaluated, corrected then returned to the student with tips and feedback. The student is then asked to re-write the email and send it back to their tutor for final assessment. Our course covers most themes of global email writing however if the student has specific requests on type of email or industry we can adjust and tailor the course to suit those individual needs.
Try our email test
Interview skills
Job Hunting and Interview Skills for the International Marketplace
Many people dread job interviews. They can be stressful and nerve racking experiences, even more so if the interview is in a second language. However by approaching them in the right way professional people can make sure they do not freeze on the big day. Thorough preparation is vital - fail to plan, and plan to fail. Being prepared is the best way to make sure there are no nasty surprises during the interview.
What kind of preparation should you do? You should already know every detail of your resume by the time of the interview so that you can answer any questions based on it. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you have thoroughly researched it’s background, new products, latest developments in the industry, and company performance. Although there is no set format to job interviews,
there is a list of questions that you are likely to be asked. Questions such as “Tell me about yourself?” “What are your strengths?” and “What are your goals?” are commonly used by interviewers. You should also be ready for the more difficult questions such as the dreaded “What are your weaknesses?” Many people struggle to answer this question but it can actually be turned into a positive by showing that you have made steps to address this weakness. For example, a candidate with poor IT skills who has taken steps to address this by enrolling on a training course may actually find that his or her positive attitude and self-awareness far outweighs their weakness. There are many other key factors that lead to successful interviews, including body language, speaking skills, nonverbal signals, and appearance.
The Professional Interview Techniques course is an intensive course, which will help you prepare for that all-important interview. We will assist you in your initial research and help you develop a list of questions you should take to the interview. We have an extensive list of common interview questions from personal information to psychological style questions that we will practice on a 1:1 basis. You will also be trained how to deal with difficult questions and speed up response times. The course also gives the option of practicing telephone interviews, which are often used as an initial screening process. It finishes with an assessed 1:1 real interview practice scenario, which when possible will be videoed. Recording the interview is an excellent way to identify any distracting physical habits caused by nerves. The course is also all in English enabling the student to practice and develop their language skills in a supportive and stimulating atmosphere.
Cross-cultural training for overseas transfers
A Practical Course To Prepare Employees for
Cross-Cultural Communications & Overseas Placements
Working overseas presents many challenges. They include the obvious such as language barriers and cultural differences however there are other perhaps more difficult challenges such as being able to change ones own way of thinking. Your management or business style may have been highly successful in your own country but some aspects may not transfer well to a foreign culture. Working globally and cross-culturally needs particular skills, some of which can be gained independently and others that are taught.
Perhaps the most important element of initial cross-cultural training is being able to grasp how your own background and values shape your beliefs, work preferences and business style. Once you can understand your own background then you can start to develop knowledge of other peoples.
It is important to keep an open mind and not make stereotypes. An international manager who believes his way is the only way will most likely not be able to appreciate the varying business styles around the world and will inevitably face many problems.
Our training package prepares employees for an overseas placement by firstly covering all the functional skills such as language training. It teaches the trainee how to build relationships, effectively introduce oneself and naturally create business small talk. If necessary we will also develop your survival English skills, which could encompass anything from socializing to going shopping. However our course is not just language based, we also spend a lot of time on cross-cultural training. Our course initially asks you to look at your own home culture’s values. In doing this participants become more aware of how they are perceived in other countries. We then develop your knowledge and understanding of the particular country you are going to. We do this by looking at real case studies from the participant’s destination and then practicing particular scenarios by way of role-plays or open discussion. This training will help participants become more open minded to cultural differences and prepare them to not only understand but actively operate in new environments and cultures. The course can be tailor-made to individuals or small groups and offers a stimulating and supportive environment to develop participant’s skills.
1:1 Business Soft Skills Coaching For Management
A Practical 1:1 Course for
Improving Management Business Skills and
International Communication Ability
In today’s business environment modern day managers in Multi-national organizations have many roles and responsibilities. They are expected to give excellent presentations, participate effectively in global meetings, successfully negotiate important issues, attend team meetings and give staff evaluations. Other managers may be asked to attend international conferences or lectures while others may actually be called upon to host conferences. Unfortunately there are many factors that can hinder manager’s performances in these situations. They range from language and cultural difficulties to lack of understanding of western style business processes and protocol. All these factors can contribute to an excellent manager not being able to show his or her true worth on the international stage. Therefore excellent business communication skills and language ability are essential to truly succeed in this demanding but rewarding international arena.
In the modern world of global diversity and international business it is not enough to be an excellent leader or manger in only your own country. You now need to be truly international. The 1:1 management-coaching course can help achieve these targets or continue to improve existing skills and knowledge.
The course is designed to give students the chance to improve their core business communication skills from presentation giving to facilitating. The course is very flexible in that students can choose what they study. For example a member of staff may have a very important international presentation therefore a short but intensive 1:1 presentation skills course would be ideal. Alternatively there may be a manager who wants to or needs to improve all areas of their business communication skills, in this situation a long-term course, which would incorporate all course modules (See PDF module list) would be more suitable. All the courses are done in English and follow a multi-step process of needs assessment, target and goal setting, implementation and final evaluations. This course develops global business skills, English communication, the understanding of Western business protocol and also raises awareness of subtle cultural differences. It is this high level combination, which offers true value and puts this course ahead of its competitors.
Click here to view management coaching course module list
Business Telephone Skills
A Practical Course for
Improving Business Telephone Skills
The telephone has become ubiquitous in modern day society. It links us all together and makes global communication easier than ever. We use the telephone everyday in our social and business lives without it many businesses simply could not operate. Having excellent telephone skills is a must in today’s business world. However speaking clearly is not the only skill that is necessary in successfully communicating and building relationships by telephone.
Unfortunately many people are not very confident about using the telephone especially when speaking in a second language. There are many potential pitfalls such as lack of understanding due to no body language or visual communication factors. Different cultures have different telephone mannerisms such as pleasantries and small talk. A good example comes from Britain, the British have a tendency to engage in small talk at the beginning and end of a telephone conversation where as other nationalities are not as keen on small talk.
Pleasantries vary from country to country add to this how different cultures have different ways of using language and we can start to understand the problems global employees face everyday in using the telephone.
Being aware of these differences can help in understanding people with different cultural traditions and backgrounds. The Business Telephone Skills course firstly develops participant’s active and physical telephone skills. We train participants how to receive and make calls, leave messages, make appointments, change arrangements and even problem solving by telephone. However the training does not stop there the course also trains participant how to deal with communication problems by teaching them relevant language skills such as how to ask for and give clarification, ask for repetition, use confirming phrases and effectively summarize information. Throughout the course we also develop cross-cultural awareness and communication on the telephone by looking at various countries telephone mannerisms and behaviors using case studies and role-plays to help participants become more accustomed to using the telephone internationally. The course is designed to give all participants the opportunity to actively communicate and develop their abilities in a supportive and stimulating atmosphere.