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Giving Feedback Across Cultures

Diana — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 01:23:06 -0700

One of the most important parts of cross-cultural communication is often one of the most overlooked: providing feedback.

In ...

Japanese Haiku Poetry

Diana — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 19:49:32 -0700

Japanese have refined the art of using minimalism for maximum effect, a style that captures the elegance of simplicity. By ...

Japanese Bonenkai

Diana — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 19:17:01 -0700

Forget the year–Japanese style

A bonenkai (忘年会) is a get-together to celebrate the ending year and, above all, the chance to ...

How to Eat Ramen

Diana — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 02:42:59 -0700

By Stephen Benfey

My brain always retreated to its reptilian roots for the swamp-like summer, when the only ...

The Secret of Google's Best Teams

Diana — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 01:23:06 -0700

What is the Secret of Google's Best Teams?

When Google studied its most successful teams, they discovered the secret isn't in ...

Do You Experience Micro-Inequities at Work?

Diana — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 19:15:22 +0000

You Can Combat Them by Making Your Voice Heard!

One of my clients is experiencing a professional obstacle that ...

Becoming a Sushi Chef

Diana — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 16:57:09 +0000

Why does it take so long to become a sushi chef in Japan? Part of the answer is in the ...

Why do Japanese Wear Masks?

Diana — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 19:13:16 +0000

As controversy over wearing masks to curb covid19 continues in the U.S., Japanese quietly continue with their pro-social, germophobic habit. ...

Japan, USA, and Covid19

Diana — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 02:39:49 +0000

Does "tightness" make the difference?

According to Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, the U.S. and most of Europe has a Covid19 ...

What Emoji Tell Us

Helen-Editor — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:56:02 +0000

Emoji -- 絵 (e = picture) 文 (mo = writing) 字 (ji = character) -- were first created in the 1990's ...

Japanese Business Emails

Diana — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 01:02:33 +0000

How to write effective emails to Japanese that they will read and respond to

Everyone is busy. Everyone receives too many ...

Working Remotely: Avoid Communication Breakdown

Diana — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 20:52:58 +0000

In tech-driven communication, whether its email, videoconferencing, or platforms like Slack, it's more important than ever to pay close attention ...

Transitioning Home

Diana — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:27:45 +0000

Why Your Returning Expats Need Re-Entry Training

You’ve done everything to ensure that your people living abroad are successful. And ...

Understanding Japanese Presentations

Helen-Editor — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 19:52:32 -0700

For people from cultures that are used to a linear, point-by-point style, Japanese presentations can seem convoluted and hard to ...

White Day in Japan

Diana — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 21:11:36 -0700

Valentine's Day in Japan isn't the way we picture it in the West. It is the Women who give chocolate, ...

Japan: Trust and Relationship-Building

Diana — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 19:09:47 -0700

Assertive or Humble – which demeanor brings the best results?

It depends, of course, on the situation. But it also depends ...

Valentine's Day in Japan

Helen-Editor — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 23:12:54 -0700

There are several ways that Valentine's Day is unique in Japan. The first is that on February 14th only women ...

What's My Chinese Zodiac Sign?

Diana — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 23:25:06 -0700

Have you wondered what your Chinese Zodiac sign is? If so, check the dates below. But keep in mind that ...

Chinese New Year Customs

Administrator — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0700

January 25 begins the Chinese year 4718. Because the date is determined by the Chinese lunisolar calendar, it is not ...

2020 Year of the Rat

Helen-Editor — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 18:04:00 -0700

According to Chinese tradition, the Rat is the first of the 12 zodiac animals. Consequently, on the Chinese New Year ...

Japanese New Year

Diana — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 23:42:31 -0700

In Japan, great effort is made to start the New Year on a positive note. People visit temples, shrines, friends ...

The Japanese Business Card Exchange Ritual

Diana — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 20:21:07 -0700

Exchanging business cards in Japan (meishi kokan) is a ritualized activity. For the Japanese, a person's business card ...

Maintaining a Japanese Relationship Through Email

Administrator — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 21:37:27 -0700

Maintaining or building a good relationship through email is not as easy as building bonds by physically being together. But ...

"The" Way

Diana — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 22:33:30 +0000

Deeply seated in the Japanese psyche are many concepts drawn from China and formalized in Japan through Zen Buddhism. One ...

UK-US Contrary Expressions

Diana — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 23:00:55 +0000

Do you speak English? What English do you speak?

English has become the business international language, but native ...

Omotenashi

Diana — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 21:34:15 +0000

Don’t you worry about a thing!

Omotenashi – the word was articulated with a charming smile and graceful gestures by ...

One Thing to Make Work Better

Diana — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:54:54 +0000

Research consistently shows that the top reason people leave their jobs isn't related to compensation, benefits, or even opportunities for ...

Coaching Across Cultures

Diana — Tue, 14 May 2019 00:11:12 +0000

A coach is a coach is a coach, right?

Western society has developed many valuable techniques and concepts, including executive coaching. ...

Connecting with Your Japanese Customer

Administrator — Fri, 10 May 2019 00:35:25 +0000

The goal of a customer call in Japan should be to establish (or perpetuate as the case may be) a ...

Ten Tips for Giving Presentations to Japanese

Administrator — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 18:36:20 +0000

So you have an awesome presentation. But what can you do to impress your Japanese audience? Try these:

Create a “story.” ...

8 Mandates for Sushi Eaters

Helen-Editor — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 22:38:05 +0000

The first thing you must know about a REAL sushi bar is that the chef is a MASTER at his ...

Spinach Communication - Japanese Style Constant Contact

Helen-Editor — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 04:12:58 +0000

Japanese expect employees to figure out what needs to be done and take some initiative to get it done. In ...

Bias: The Science Behind It

Diana — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:29:59 -0700

In some respects, collaboration seems like one of the most natural things humans do.

After all, we work together to raise ...

Japan’s Galapagos Microchipped Card

Diana — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 22:17:01 +0000

Every time I return home to Japan for a visit, I am confronted with a whole new learning curve about ...

Guanxi Gold

Keiko Suzuki — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 21:38:04 +0000

Get out a spreadsheet – it’s time to mine your network in China!

What is guanxi, really? It can be translated ...

Powa Hara

Diana — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 20:52:10 +0000

The 20-year-old football player at Nihon University (Nichidai), looked like he might be on the verge of tears as he ...

72 Seasons Hath Japan

Diana — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 20:50:44 +0000

Need a starter for your next email? We have just the app for you...

According to the Japanese ancient calendar and ...

Diligence Culture Clash Case

Diana — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 22:27:35 +0000

Recently I wrote about Japanese Diligence . The following is a real situation where the consequences of cross-cultural assumptions about ...

India: 1 Key Tip for Business

Diana — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 21:27:25 +0000

One of the most important things to know about business in India is that relationships mean everything. Without them you ...

Japanese Toilet Symbols

Diana — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 22:54:09 -0700

Japanese toilets have come a long way in just a few decades, going from the “squat style” facility in the ...

Fugu - It’s the buzz

Keiko Suzuki — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 01:43:52 -0700

But is it to die for? Fugu, or blowfish in English, is a culinary delicacy in Japan that ...

Video: The Secret to Building a High-Performing Virtual Team

Diana — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 01:26:00 -0700

Maya Hu-Chan, our Leadership Guru, tells us a secret to building high-performing virtual teams.

<article> <h1>India: 10 Tips for Your Hands and Feet</h1> <p>Keiko Suzuki — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 19:03:21 +0000</p> <p> India is permeated with spiritual rituals. Objects are often blessed or worshipped with a sense of humility, respect, and desire ... </article> <article> <h1>Season's Greetings in July & August?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 19:57:00 +0000</p> <p>Japan is indeed a land of ritual – not only in actions, but also in words.  There are ritualized expressions ... </article> <article> <h1>German Business Style:</h1> <p>Diana — Thu, 11 May 2017 00:05:02 +0000</p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 14pt;">How it Differs from Japanese and American</span></p> <p>Comparing two cultural styles is interesting, but comparing three is ... </article> <article> <h1>Do YOU know right from wrong?</h1> <p>Diana — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 01:50:13 +0000</p> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Ethics Across Cultures</h3> <p>A friend of yours becomes distracted while driving, causing the horrible death of a pedestrian.  Nobody ... </article> <article> <h1>Japanese Business Disruption</h1> <p>Diana — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 23:05:01 -0700</p> <h3>Change the System by Embracing it!</h3> <p>It’s often assumed that change agents and disruptors need to go against the established system ... </article> <article> <h1>Create Your Own Virtual Water Cooler</h1> <p>Diana — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 01:10:37 -0700</p> <h3>How to harness technology to build global team spirit</h3> <p>How often have you leaned across your desk or paused in an ... </article> <article> <h1>When is a Strength not a Strength?</h1> <p>Diana — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 00:56:39 -0700</p> <p>What is your signature strength as a leader? Is it your energy? Which characteristic is the one that you have ... </article> <article> <h1>Chinese Values</h1> <p>Administrator — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 22:40:00 +0000</p> <p align="center"> <a name="connections" title="connections"></a> <strong>I. CONNECTIONS</strong></p> <p>Possibly the most important possession to have in China is guanxi: connections or the connectedness that ... </article> <article> <h1>Hands up! In Korea, your pinky tells all. . .</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 17:50:23 +0000</p> <p>While fortune telling by palm reading is familiar to Westerners, the Korean art of pinky-reading is less well known. Perhaps ... </article> <article> <h1>How Partnering is Changing Global Business</h1> <p>Diana — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 22:09:01 +0000</p> <p>Are you an equal partner with your customers, planning for long term growth together…or are the battle lines still drawn ... </article> <article> <h1>Swim and Gym Rules in Japan</h1> <p>Diana — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 22:37:56 +0000</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you stay in a fancy hotel or join an expensive gym, you’re less likely to have to ... </article> <article> <h1>Are you a global castaway?</h1> <p>Diana — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 21:16:19 +0000</p> <p>Here’s the bad news: it’s no longer enough to simply be great at your job.</p> <p>Here’s the good news: there’s a ... </article> <article> <h1>China: Avoiding Sudden Death</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 19:35:12 +0000</p> <p></p> <p><i>Mianzi</i>, or "one's face" is a concept of great importance in Asia. It's a source of pride and power, but ... </article> <article> <h1>Anarchy in Asian Slides and Sites</h1> <p>Diana — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 00:09:02 +0000</p> <p>The mishmash of word and pictures in most Asian PowerPoint slides and Web pages is about 1,000 gigabytes away from ... </article> <article> <h1>Drinking in China - and Surviving!</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:53:57 +0000</p> <p>Heavy drinking can go hand - in - hand with business in China, and repeated “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gam Bei</i>-ing” (downing ... </article> <article> <h1>Test Your Cultural Competence!</h1> <p>Diana — Wed, 25 May 2016 03:33:41 +0000</p> <p>Cultural Competence is a cross-cultural “fluency” which enables you to have positive and productive interaction with people from other cultures.  ... </article> <article> <h1>While the Expat’s Away, so Much is in Play</h1> <p>Diana — Mon, 09 May 2016 20:27:45 +0000</p> <h4>Why Your Returning Expats Need Re-Entry Training</h4> <p>You’ve done everything to ensure that your people living abroad are successful: pre-departure training, ... </article> <article> <h1>China's Drinking Culture</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Sun, 01 May 2016 21:49:55 +0000</p> <p>Business bacchanals in China are legendary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Imbibing with others fosters a more personal connection by softening and reducing ... </article> <article> <h1>Forget Cinco de Mayo but not Diez de Mayo</h1> <p>Diana — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 23:10:11 +0000</p> <p>Even after winning its Independence, on September 27, 1821 Mexico suffered numerous setbacks in its attempt to form a stable ... </article> <article> <h1>Forget Cinco de Mayo but NEVER Diez de Mayo</h1> <p>Diana — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 23:10:11 +0000</p> <p>Many confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexican Independence Day.  However...</p> <p>Even after winning its Independence, on September 27, 1821 Mexico suffered ... </article> <article> <h1>Know the Naked Rules of Onsen Etiquette - Update</h1> <p>Diana — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 00:39:06 +0000</p> <p>There's really nothing like a soak in one of Japan's 13,300 marvelous hot springs, many of which are mineral baths ... </article> <article> <h1>Best Free Japanese Language Apps</h1> <p>Diana — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 21:53:22 +0000</p> <p>These days there are many great apps for learning or looking up Japanese. Which ones are best for you will ... </article> <article> <h1>Chinese Business Proverbs to Grow by</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 20:21:00 -0700</p> <p style="text-align: left;" align="center">1. Shuǐ néng zài zhōu, yì néng fù zhōu. 水能载舟，亦能覆舟 – Not only can water float a ... </article> <article> <h1>2016 Year of the Monkey</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 00:09:35 -0700</p> <p style="text-align: center;">According to the Chinese zodiac, on February 8, 2016 we will enter the <strong>Year of the Monkey</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: ... </article> <article> <h1>2019 Year of the Boar</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 22:57:00 -0700</p> <p>According to the Chinese Zodiac, on February 5, 2019 (by the Chinese calendar year 4717) we enter the Year of ... </article> <article> <h1>Do You Know Your Saké?</h1> <p>Chris — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 23:04:44 -0700</p> <p>Japanese s<i>aké</i> comes in a wide variety of flavor and quality.  There are two main ingredients that affect its quality: ... </article> <article> <h1>Japanese Winter Seasonal Greetings and Customs</h1> <p>Administrator — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:23:50 -0700</p> <p>December and January provide many occasions for reinforcing business relationships and, consequently, good opportunities for strengthening your connections. It good ... </article> <article> <h1>2016 Year of the Fire Monkey</h1> <p>Diana — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 02:47:21 -0700</p> <p style="text-align: center;">According to the Chinese zodiac, on February 8, 2016 we entered the <strong>Year of the Monkey</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">The ... </article> <article> <h1>10 Critical Cross-Cultural Communication Tips</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 01:00:09 +0000</p> <ol> <li> <p>Listen, listen, really listen. Be totally present. Focus only on the speaker's words and affect, without judgment or agenda. Hear ... </article> <article> <h1>Is Japan Becoming Sexless?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 18:28:00 +0000</p> <p>The Japanese population is shrinking at an alarming rate - almost 300,000 per year. The number of people over 65 ... </article> <article> <h1>Chinese Moon Festival</h1> <p>Diana — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 22:38:00 +0000</p> <p style="text-align: center;" align="center">September 24, 2018</p> <p> Also celebrated in Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, this is one of the most important ... </article> <article> <h1>The 20 Somethings in Japan</h1> <p>Diana — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 03:01:42 +0000</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Gen-Yers in Japan didn't grow up in the tough post war decades of their seniors over 50 ... </article> <article> <h1>Medication Alert for Japan!</h1> <p>Diana — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:30:32 +0000</p> <p>Now that the season for colds is upon us, it's good to be aware of some of the over-the-counter cold ... </article> <article> <h1>Japan</h1> <p>Administrator — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 02:25:00 +0000</p> <p> </p> <p>Welcome to the CultureCorner Japan Section where we provide information on Japanese cultural competence and working with the Japanese. Article ... </article> <article> <h1>What Does the Indian Head Bobble Mean?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 22:48:20 +0000</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In India, people have a variety of head movements which are meant to convey certain meanings, intentions, or feelings.<span ... </article> <article> <h1>Negotiating with Koreans</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 23:47:41 +0000</p> <p>Koreans are renowned as skillful negotiators.  Still, they put a strong emphasis on developing a personal relationship, and this investment ... </article> <article> <h1>Video Conferencing: 5 Best Practices</h1> <p>Diana — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:02:02 -0700</p> <p>In working across cultures, you undoubtedly spend time on video conference calls. But how much thought have you put into ... </article> <article> <h1>Can You Guess the Latest Trendy Delicacy in Japan?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 22:26:21 -0700</p> <p>No, it's not a seafood. And it's not a pork or chicken dish, the second and third most popular. But ... </article> <article> <h1>5 Tips for Managing Mexicans</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:38:24 -0700</p> <p>Many maquiladoras* and other facilities in Mexico are maturing into operations with greater complexity than just assembly plants.  More and ... </article> <article> <h1>5 Tips for Managing Mexicans</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:38:24 -0700</p> <p>Many maquiladoras* and other facilities in Mexico are maturing into operations with greater complexity than just assembly plants.  More and ... </article> <article> <h1>Rice Field Art 2015</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 21:01:29 +0000</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Rice Field Art Gets Better each Year.</p> <p>It's rice harvesting season in Japan, and with the harvest will go ... </article> <article> <h1>Bento - Taken to an Elevated Form of Art</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 18:26:00 +0000</p> <p>A <i>bentô</i> box (or more polite <i>o-bentô</i>) is a traditional boxed meal that can be bought at train stations and ... </article> <article> <h1>Rice Field Art</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 00:46:07 +0000</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For over a thousand years Japanese village farmers have worked together as a team to flood and drain fields, ... </article> <article> <h1>What does your Facebook Picture say about your Culture?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 20:04:49 +0000</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Do you see yourself first and foremost as an individual, or primarily part of something much bigger? ... </article> <article> <h1>Modern Elegance - Traditional Techniques</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 20:20:04 +0000</p> <p>Creating objects of dazzling natural beauty, Japanese artisans have captured the world's attention with their stunning skill. From perfectly imperfect ... </article> <article> <h1>5 Critical Tips for Crossing Cultures</h1> <p>Diana — Mon, 19 May 2014 22:47:30 +0000</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>1. Know yourself and your cultural bubble.</strong> We are all a product of many things: personality, life experiences, individual choices, ... </article> <article> <h1>アメリカ人を動機づける５つの方法</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 19:02:15 +0000</p> <ol style="width: 95%;"> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial Unicode MS;" face="Arial Unicode MS"><span style="font-family: MS PGothic;" face="MS PGothic">まず、アメリカ人に求めることに要点を明確かつ具体的にさせることが大事。アメリカ人にとっては、上司が求めることを察することを求められれば、一興に意欲が薄れます。子供の頃からはっきりとしたガイドラインと説明の上に、言葉できちんと与えられる指示に従うようにしつけられてきたアメリカ人のこと。もちろん察しなどによるコミュニケーションにも注意は払いますが、日本人と同じように解釈するとは限りません。また、重要な情報が明確な言葉で伝えられないとは思いもしません。加えて、アメリカ人の目からは、具体的に求められなかったことに対し、会社の勤務時間を使って対処することは時間の無駄に他ならないと考えます。</span></span></span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: ... </article> <article> <h1>Five Ways to Motivate Americans</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 00:52:49 +0000</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be clear and specific about what you want them to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most Americans will ... </article> <article> <h1>Camelot on the Volga: The Promise of Boris Nemtsov</h1> <p>Diana — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 20:57:12 -0700</p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I felt like Alice in Wonderland, stepping off a train into the wintry Dr. Zhivago landscape ... </article> <article> <h1>What's Your Type? Blood, that is.</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 18:17:10 +0000</p> <p>Leaving aside the dubious origins of the idea, many Japanese (along with others in East Asia) believe your personality is ... </article> <article> <h1>5 Steps to Confianza</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 22:23:37 +0000</p> <p><i>Confianza</i>: you can't be successful in Mexico without it! <i>Confianza</i> means trust, but trust that is spiced with a distinctly ... </article> <article> <h1>Can You Kaizen?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:55:07 +0000</p> <p>The Japanese word Kaizen has made its way into the English vernacular with the help of gurus in manufacturing, management, ... </article> <article> <h1>Multipliers: Ancient Asian Leadership Concept?</h1> <p>Diana — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:44:35 +0000</p> <p>A couple of years ago, a major US corporation invited me to lead a global leadership session for its Asia-Pacific ... </article> <article> <h1>Yoroshiku: It Defies Definition</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:38:42 -0700</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yoroshiku</i> is one of those magical multi-purpose Japanese phrases that has flexibility to fit countless situations and ... </article> <article> <h1>Japanese Business Cards - Why the Ritual?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 22:46:11 +0000</p> <p></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">meishi kokan</i>, Japan's well-known business card ... </article> <article> <h1>2018 Year of the Dog</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 23:38:24 +0000</p> <p>According to the Chinese Zodiac and Lunar Calendar, on February 16, 2018 (Chinese calendar year 4722) we entered the Year ... </article> <article> <h1>Mexicans: Group-Oriented or Individualistic?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 19:07:07 +0000</p> <p>Importantly, the answer is: they are both.  Mexicans see themselves as extremely independent individuals, and it is essential to honor ... </article> <article> <h1>Japanese Business Proverbs</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:38:00 +0000</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">Saru mo kikara ochiru</span></em></strong><strong><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ... </article> <article> <h1>Communicating Effectively with Germans</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:16:36 +0000</p> <h3>- It's More Than a Firm Handshake</h3> <p><b><i>Understanding Their Perspective Goes a Long Way Towards Building Trust </i></b></p> <p>To communicate effectively with ... </article> <article> <h1>ASEAN: 8 Tips for Doing Business</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:52:22 +0000</p> <p>The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, commonly abbreviated ASEAN, is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, ... </article> <article> <h1>2017 Year of the Rooster</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:07:00 -0700</p> <p>According to the Chinese Zodiac, on January 28, 2017 (by the Chinese calendar year 4715) we enter the Year of ... </article> <article> <h1>Leadership Leap - Go from Garage to Globe</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:28:07 -0700</p> <p>Good things can happen in a garage. Pixar Animation Studios, for example, has its roots in a garage on Long ... </article> <article> <h1>Hear One -- Understand Ten</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:04:42 +0000</p> <p align="center"><b>"What?? You never told me that! How was I supposed to know??"</b></p> <p>Too often communication between Japanese and people from ... </article> <article> <h1>Doing Business with China - Prospects Outside of the Mainland</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:34:27 +0000</p> <h4>Real Estate: The Growing Trend for a Shrinking China</h4> <p>China, the once fledgling powerhouse that burst onto the international market only ... </article> <article> <h1>Setting up Shop in China - How Easy is it?</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:55:01 +0000</p> <h3>Before You Make the Move</h3> <p>In order to get some perspective on the investment of time and effort required to take ... </article> <article> <h1>The Role of Respect in Mexico</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:56:33 +0000</p> <p>While trust must be earned in Mexico, respect should be given to everyone.  By the mere virtue of being human, ... </article> <article> <h1>Americans Like Action!</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:03:41 +0000</p> <p>Most Americans tend to be task- and action-oriented. Many are happiest when they can take direct action and accomplish a ... </article> <article> <h1>Japanese Phrase of the Month</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Mon, 02 May 2011 04:22:15 +0000</p> <h2><span class="inline_editor_value" id="__w2_rKy2xvm_answer_content" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext"><strong>Kotoshi mo, o-sewa ni narimashita. Rainen-mo, yoroshiku onegai shimasu.” 今年も、お世話になりました。来年も、よろしくお願いします。<br /></strong></span></span></h2> <p><span class="inline_editor_value" id="__w2_rKy2xvm_answer_content"><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext"><strong><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext"><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext">Thank ... </article> <article> <h1>Finding a Japanese Mentor</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 01:28:05 -0700</p> <p>To get ahead in a Japanese company, it is important to have a good mentor. This is a person who ... </article> <article> <h1>8 Essential Tips for Working with India</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:33:35 -0700</p> <p>Within a very short time, a multitude of Western companies has moved much of their call center, design, and/or production ... </article> <article> <h1>2011 Year of the Rabbit</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:47:44 -0700</p> <p>According to the Chinese Zodiac, on February 3, 2011 (Chinese calendar year 4709), we enter the Year of the Rabbit. ... </article> <article> <h1>2014 Year of the Horse</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 19:28:26 -0700</p> <p>According to the Chinese zodiac, on January 31, 2014 (year 4912 by the Chinese calendar) we enter the Year of ... </article> <article> <h1>Surviving the Holidays Away From Home</h1> <p>Administrator — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:25:35 -0700</p> <p>Holidays and special occasions we celebrate year after year, become rituals that play an important role in bestowing peace of ... </article> <article> <h1>5 Critical Communication Tips for China</h1> <p>Administrator — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:27:22 +0000</p> <p>If you’re working with Chinese, whether businessmen or factory workers, there may be times when you are unsure of the ... </article> <article> <h1>Jewish Chanukah and Rosh Hashanah</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:01:50 +0000</p> <p>The celebrations of the Jewish New Year's, Rosh Hashanah, until Yom Kippur 10 days later. Rosh Hashanah is considered to ... </article> <article> <h1>Islamic Ramadan</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:49:34 +0000</p> <p>Ramadan (Rom-a-don) is as important to Muslims as Christmas and Yom Kippur are to Christians and Jews. Because Ramadan is ... </article> <article> <h1>German Season Greetings and Customs</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:31:36 +0000</p> <p>Christmas is a long season in Germany. Beginning on the Sunday nearest to St. Andrew's Day (November 30th) and continuing ... </article> <article> <h1>Russian Seasonal Greetings and Customs</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:29:03 +0000</p> <p>Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated in January, mostly by those who are devoutly religious. Since Russia was primarily secular during ... </article> <article> <h1>Korean Seasonal Greetings and Holidays</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:25:17 +0000</p> <p>There is no traditional Korean custom for Christmas, although gift giving at this time of the year blends with the ... </article> <article> <h1>Dealing with the Emerging BRIC Economies</h1> <p>Administrator — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 01:21:56 +0000</p> <p align="center"><b> CROSSED CULTURES</b></p> <h2>Did you give your Russian colleagues the thumbs up after that impressive presentation? Yeah, well, you might as ... </article> <article> <h1>5 More Critical Cross-Cultural Communication Tips</h1> <p>Administrator — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 01:03:06 +0000</p> <ol> <li> <p>Ask open-ended questions. These are questions that begin with what, when, where, who, how and why. Because they can not ... </article> <article> <h1>It's No Joke - When Icebreakers Fail</h1> <p>Administrator — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:53:30 +0000</p> <h3>Don't Blame the Audience!</h3> <p>Scott Morrison, senior director of business technology at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Inc., took a big risk recently in ... </article> <article> <h1>If You Are Serious About Russia</h1> <p>Administrator — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:47:42 +0000</p> <h3>Get Your Own Interpreter</h3> <p>Since English is the international language of business, Russians, especially the young entrepreneur types in Moscow & ... </article> <article> <h1>Managing Independent Americans</h1> <p>Administrator — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:44:16 +0000</p> <p>Americans are taught from a young age to be independent and self reliant. "Stand on your own two feet" is ... </article> <article> <h1>5 Tips for Negotiating with Saudis</h1> <p>Administrator — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:40:26 +0000</p> <ol> <li> <p>Spend plenty of time building relationships and socializing. Business is personal in Saudi Arabia, and relationship building is essential. Nothing ... </article> <article> <h1>2012 Year of the Dragon</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:29:57 +0000</p> <h1><strong>The Dragon </strong>? <strong>2012 </strong></h1> <p>According to the Chinese zodiac, on January 23rd, 2012 we enter the Year of the Dragon.</p> <p>The ... </article> <article> <h1>2013 Year of the Snake</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:27:34 +0000</p> <p>According to the Chinese zodiac, on February 10, 2013 we will be entering the Year of the Snake.</p> <h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong><strong>The ... </article> <article> <h1>Mexican Christmas Festivities</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:41:00 +0000</p> <p>The Christmas holidays in Mexico are warm and colorful. Mexico celebrates these holidays at great length and with a delightful ... </article> <article> <h1>Mexican Seasonal Greetings and Customs</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:33:50 +0000</p> <p>For the majority of Mexicans, Christmas is an important religious holiday. The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with a ... </article> <article> <h1>2021 Year of the Ox</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 21:47:01 +0000</p> <p>According to tradition, the OX is the second of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs and on February 12, 2021 (by ... </article> <article> <h1>Snapshot of Chinese Business Culture</h1> <p>Administrator — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:33:03 +0000</p> <p align="left">The outward trappings of a culture (its customs, traditions, rules, rituals, and so on) are primarily a product of ... </article> <article> <h1>Japanese Business Protocol Answers</h1> <p>Administrator — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:21:44 +0000</p> <p align="center"><b>Quiz Answers - In reverse order</b></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p> <a title="answer_5" name="answer_5"></a> 5. When you hear the expression "O-kyaku-sama wa kami-sama desu" you ... </article> <article> <h1>Test Your Japanese Business Protocol Savvy Quiz</h1> <p>Administrator — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:51:40 +0000</p> <p>When visiting a foreign country, you sometimes find yourself in unexpected situations. What would you do when"¦</p> <p><br /> <a name="question_1" title="question_1"></a> 1. ... </article> <article> <h1>Mexican Independence Day</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 00:14:00 +0000</p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Mexico celebrates its Independence from Spain every year starting at 11:00 p.m. on September 15, ... </article> <article> <h1>Cinco de Mayo (5th of May)</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:18:14 +0000</p> <div align="center"> <p>The Battle of Cinco de Mayo, 1862, also known as "La Batalla de Puebla" (the Battle of Puebla),</p> </div> <p align="center">actually ... </article> <article> <h1>Why May 10th is NOT a Typical Business Day in Mexico</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:07:18 +0000</p> <div align="center"> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>MOTHER'S DAY IN MEXICO</strong></span></p> </div> <p>"Dia de las Madres," Mother's Day in Mexico, is the 10th of May, and ... </article> <article> <h1>2022 Year of the Tiger</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:02:19 +0000</p> <p>According to tradition,the Tiger is the third of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs. On February 1, 2022 (by the Chinese ... </article> <article> <h1>Chinese Zodiac Years</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:57:21 +0000</p> <p>Welcome to the CultureCorner Chinese Zodiac Section. Click a year to find business predictions or link to look for insights ... </article> <article> <h1>Hybrid World: The Complexities of Age, Values and Asian Business</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:35:29 +0000</p> <p>“I want a raise.” With the ink barely dry on her contract and less than a year of tenure at ... </article> <article> <h1>Just Tell Me What You Want Me To Do! Working for a Japanese Boss</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 22:01:37 +0000</p> <p>"So, could you clarify for me what the corporate plan is?" -- Answer: "It's not so clear right now, but ... </article> <article> <h1>Working With A Japanese Manager? Does he have an Oda, Toyotomi, or Maybe a Tokugawa Style?</h1> <p>Administrator — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:50:48 +0000</p> <p>Although most Japanese managers share certain characteristics that reflect deep Japanese values, it is important to remember that each is ... </article> <article> <h1>Mexico</h1> <p>Administrator — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:54:11 +0000</p> <p>Welcome to the Mexico CultureCorner Page. Click a link to explore some of Mexico's business culture and its colorful holidays.</p> <ul ... </article> <article> <h1>Seasonal Greetings</h1> <p>Administrator — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:30:25 +0000</p> <p>The season of holidays and celebrations provides opportunities for reinforcing your business relationships around the world. A little effort to ... </article> <article> <h1>More Articles and Tips</h1> <p>Administrator — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:27:30 +0000</p> <p> </p> <p>Welcome to the CultureCorner page for Articles and Tips. We add new postings each month, so don't forget to check ... </article> <article> <h1>China</h1> <p>Administrator — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:26:36 +0000</p> <p align="center">Welcome to the CultureCorner China Section. Click a title for some insights on Chinese business and cultural competence.</p> <ul id="link"> <li> ... </article> <article> <h1>2015 Year of the Sheep (Ram/Goat)</h1> <p>Helen-Editor — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:19:11 -0700</p> <p></p> <p>According to the Chinese Zodiac, on February 19, 2015 we will enter the Year of the Sheep (Ram/Goat). While Korea ... </article> </main></body></html>