OVERVIEW

   A course to:  

   TEAM COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

The Business of Paradigms Using Joel Barker's film of the same name, participants learn about paradigms:  how they serve us and how they also limit our ability to see new ideas. The participants discuss the concepts in the film and talk about how they relate to their own experiences. The Ladder of Inference Also developed at M.I.T., this concept highlights the way we choose data that supports our beliefs and how this process strengthens those beliefs. Going back down the ladder helps us to become aware of, and to test, our assumptions.

Paradigm Pioneers This is another film by Joel Barker about paradigms. Using many familiar examples in business, the film shows that you can benefit from the momentous ideas of other people best if you are truly open to new, sometimes radical, thinking.  Discussions Participants take part in discussions of interesting topics with the goal of implementing the strategies learned in Balancing Advocacy and Inquiry as well as The Ladder of Inference.

Balancing Advocacy and Inquiry This is a concept developed at M.I.T. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). It deals with the tendency of western business people to concentrate on advocating (befürworten) their own ideas and solutions. This strategy looks for possible solutions by becoming more open to feedback about one’s own ideas and becoming more open to the ideas of others. It also has application in cross-cultural situations. Conflict Management Styles Assessment Participants fill out a questionnaire to identify their particular styles for dealing with conflicts.

   CROSS-CULTURAL AWARENESS: 

Cultural Dimensions Participants learn various ways that cultural differences are measured and compared, the so-called “dimensions” of culture. Participants also contemplate their own culture in these terms as a necessary basis for interacting with other cultures.

Three Basic Types of Culture Participants learn an alternative way of grouping the cultures of the world into three basic culture types. This easy-to-remember concept is forms a sensible basis for discussing cross-cultural conflict.

Cultural Profiles Information about specific foreign cultures regarding topics such as meeting and greeting people, doing business, dress, dining, social entertaining, gift-giving, and body gestures is provided and discussed. Where possible, new behaviors are practiced.

   ENGLISH TRAINING: 

Correction and Feedback Corrections are made throughout the course and helpful suggestions for improvement are made as much as possible. Questions from the participants about English are always welcome and short explanations of the rules are given as necessary.

Vocabulary Building As much as possible, participants will be given not only correction for their mistakes but also alternatives for what they have said correctly, to expand their English horizons. Additionally, when participants say something especially well, this is pointed out for the benefit of everyone.

Language Level Requirements Participants must be able to speak English at an intermediate level or higher. In other words, one must be able to take part comfortably in English discussions.  English corrections will be given and explained, and vocabulary improvements will be offered.

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PRIVATE SEMINARS   Private seminars are for groups or teams from a single organization.   They can take place at the client's site or a conference hotel of the client's choosing.   Private seminars can run from 09:00 to 17:30 each day or they can include evening programs and overnight stays in a hotel.    Group size:  maximum 8 Duration:  3 days  Pricing Information:  Please contact SCT.

OPEN SEMINARS    At this time, this SCT seminar is not offered as an open seminar.