ATW-ICS

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 25 May 2013 15:58:00 -0700

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 25 May 2013 15:57:00 -0700

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:32:00 -0700

Six Ways to Make You a Better Negotiator

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Wed, 4 Jul 2012 13:23:00 -0700

Have you ever gone into a discussion, and finished it feeling defeated and did not manage to convince the other person with your point of view?

Were you ever speaking with someone, and ended up having a heated discussion with some awful things being said?

Did you ever feel after a discussion with someone that they went quietly however unconvinced?

If you answered yes to one or more of the following, then know that you are not a good negotiator and lack experience in the art of communication.

Note that entering any discussion without any solid and strong background and knowledge of the topic, will be useless and will not bring you any positive outcome.

The following six points will help you become a strong communicator and negotiator without going into useless discussions and make others feel uncomfortable or upset.

1. Let the other part SPEAK and tell you what they think

Make sure you don’t interrupt when he is speaking, by interjecting you will unconsciously make him not listen to you when its your turn to speak. The person who gets interrupted when speaking before he finishes, will only concentrate on what he wants to say rather than listen to what is being said. Giving the other person your attention will make him/her feel that you are taking their opinion into consideration and that will reduce their hostility towards your opinion.

2. STOP and wait before you speak

By pausing a few moments before speaking, you’ll show that you are taking in what is being said, and not jumping to show your disagreement aggressively.

3. Don’t aim to win 100%

Try and discuss your view in a convincing yet friendly manner. Don’t let him/her feel they are completely wrong, but use what they said in your argument, explaining at the same time what you mean. Use the expressions “I understand your point of view”, “ I appreciate what your saying and feel the same way”.

4. Discuss you case in a GENTLE yet in a professional manner.

Sometimes when we are faced with strong criticism we tend to react aggressively in response. Studies showed that this is the ultimate mistake any negotiator/communicator could make. However, taking criticism in a quiet and positive way could have a positive impact on your negotiation and people will tend to listen to what you say in response.

5. Speak through another person…

A good method to win your argument is bringing another person’s opinion in pressing your point.Try not to use the phrases “I believe” or “I think” a lot. However, try and use experiences and statements of other well known people if you can, also statistics and researches is a good idea.

6. Allow the other person to leave the argument dignified

A good negotiator/ Communicator will be able to allow his component leave feeling dignified and satisfied without feeling they lost a battle, but on the contrary by thinking they support your argument and have learnt something new. And that you did not mean by contradicting them anything personal, and you have won the argument only because you had a more practical view of the subject, more informative and a better grasp of the situation.

Virtual Assistant

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Fri, 8 Jun 2012 14:21:00 -0700

Recently I have noticed a great deal of interest in hiring our VA services, not only by international companies! But, from well-established businesses in the UK, who and because of the financial crises that hit the world, are desperately trying to cut down on expenses in any way they can. Had found that hiring a virtual personal assistant could save them a lot of money a year.

Now those of you who have been toying with the idea of hiring a VP might wonder what are the positives and negatives aspects of such a decision on your business?

And you are right, it is extremely important to get your expectations right otherwise you will find it very difficult!!!

So lets look at this closely.

· Firstly- you will need to have a plan of what responsibilities you can do and what you would like your VA take on.

· It is extremely important to keep a clear plan for your sake and your VA’s as well.

· Communication is an important key to get a smooth start and also for later on. So, a Skype account could be a very useful tool to communicate.

· E-mailing- although it is an inventible of communication in business you must be aware that the “point” might get lost in translations. (Your VA might be based in any country in the world and English might not be their mother tongue). So, all I’m saying is try and have a conference call as much as you can or at least once a week, and keep your instructions simple and clear.

· Also you might want to consider before starting offering your new VA a training session to get him/her familiar with what you do and what you are expecting them to do.

· Start by giving your VA non-urgent and tractable tasks, which you can check on when you have time. Look at those first two or three weeks as a trail period and at the same time give your VA time to get familiar and confident with the job.

· I will also suggest (depending on your level of work) to start with 2 hours a day and increase it as time goes by.

· An important aspect you need to keep in mind when hiring a VA is the time difference. That has huge impact on the deliverance of the tasks. So, again I urge you to consider very carefully your plan. Put down in writing what is important for you and your needs as a business? Study it carefully and then decide whether hiring a virtual assistant is right for your needs.

In the end I wish you all the best and if any assistance or advice needed the you are welcome to IM us on Skype:acrosstheworld-ics or get in touch by mail info@atw-ics.com

Einstein 10 Tips For Success

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:26:00 -0700

I came across these 10 tips for success that have been quoted by Einstein, and liked it and thought to share it with
you.

1- Persistence is a priceless treasure:

According to him it does not matter to be brilliant or not but all you have to do is to spend more time trying to figure out solutions for the problem.

2- Follow your intuition:

He said that I don`t have special gifts I only have my love for knowledge.

3- Knowledge comes from the experience:

According to him knowledge is not only information but gaining more experience: Knowledge is not only collecting information from here and there but the real knowledge is by gaining more experience.

4-Know the rules of the game first:

You must know the rules of the game first then think in playing only then you can be the best in the game.

5- Search for simplicity:

According to him if you can`t explain your ideas to 6 years old kid then you did not even understand it.

6- Imagination is more important:

According to him imagination is more important than knowledge in which with knowledge you can see the future.

7- Make your own mistakes:

The person who have no mistakes did not try anything new yet.

8- Live your moment:

Don`t think in the future cause it is coming whether you liked it or not.

9- Search for the value:

Don`t fight for success but fight for the value of your work.

10- Don`t expect different results for the same action:

Madness is to do the same action and in every time expect different results.

Reference (ITExpert)

Story & Moral: The Minister Of Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 12 May 2012 08:49:00 -0700

A King in one of the old country, decided to change its economy minister, who failed to provide a decent life for his people. He declared in the markets that he who trusts in himself and sees that he has sufficient capacity to win such a position to apply for the contest...

Ten members of the public came forward…

The King gave each of them 1000 pieces of gold and said: “Come back after 3 months to see what you did it”

Three months passed and nine of the contestants came with big bags of money.

He reviewed the first: “I come to you, Sir, with 15 thousand pieces of gold”!

The second increased it and said: “I come with 16 thousand pieces”

The king sat down quietly listening to the nine men competing and arguing, until he notice the tenth man standing quietly.

King addressed the tenth man and said: “Where is the money?”

The man hesitated and looked worried before finally saying: “I’m afraid I have no money for you, your majesty.”

The King looking angrily: “Have you wasted the money on pleasures?”

The Man: “No, you Majesty”!

The king: “So?”

Man: “Sir, I have purchased a piece of agricultural land and hired some workers, who have suggested to buy some cattle, and now I do not have any money until the crop is ready and sell it!

The king looked hard at the man, after sometime said: “You are the Ministers!”

A commotion spread in the hall. The nine men all thought they were more deserving as the tenth man crops will probably take three years before a profit could be gained.

The king stood up and addressed the ten men: “Who told you that the economy is the development of money? That is called trade! Economy however, is how you spend and use money to make life runs smoother and more beneficial and make it easier for the people.

Wisdom: Real economy is not how to only grow your money, but it is how you spend it and make it improve your life and raise your living standards.

Italy countries & Cultures

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 06:54:00 -0700

Location and population

Italy is located in southern Europe, bordering Austria 430 km, Holy See (Vatican City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 232 km, and Switzerland 740km.

Italy consists of a peninsula shaped like a high-heeled boot and several islands, encompassing 116,300 square miles

The capital is Rome.

Population estimated in 2011 (10,675,214). Italy’s population was approximately 57 million in 1998. The population growth rate is .08 percent with a death rate of 10.18 per 1,000 and a birth rate of 9.13 per 1,000. Population growth declined quickly after World War II with the industrialization of the country.

Climate predominantly Mediterranean, Alpine is far north; hot, dry in south.

Language The official language is Italian. Various dialects are spoken, but Italian is taught in school and used in government. Sicilian is a language with Greek, Arabic, Latin, Italian, Norman and French, and other influences and generally is not understood by Italian speakers.

Basic History and Ethnic Relations

It was not until the middle of the nineteenth century that Italy as we know it today came to be. Until that time, various city-states occupied the peninsula, each operating as a separate kingdom or republic.

Italy’s history is long and great. France and Spain in particular played and intervened in the Italian affairs. It has had many invasions over the centuries. Italy became part of the Spanish Habsburg inheritance in 1527 when the Spanish king Charles I (Holy Roman Emperor Charles V) sent his troops in to take over Rome. Spain established complete control over all the Italian states except Venice.

National Identity -The issue of regionalism has plagued Italy to the present day. The issue as one of the more developed north against the poor south, Italian regions had their own separate histories over fourteen- hundred-year period. Many dialects were spoken, and customs varied from area to area. In the period since the Risorgimento, the Italian unification movement there has been a great deal achieved. There is still a difference between the north, the central region, and the south. However, literacy has made a common language the norm. Television, radio, and newspapers have aided education by fostering a sense of national culture.

Ethnic Relations -Many countries and people have occupied Italy over the centuries. Italians resented each these conquerors. However, they intermarried with them and accepted a number of their customs.

Social class

There is a vast difference in wealth between the north and the south. There are also the usual social classes that are found in industrial society. Italy has a high unemployment rate, and differences between rich and poor are noticeable. New immigrants stand out since they come from poorer countries. The government has had a vast social welfare network that has been cut in recent years too fit the requirements of the European Union. These budget cuts have fallen on the poorer strata of society.

Religions and Supernaturalism- ninety percent of the population is Roman Catholic. The other 2 percent is mainly comprised of Jews, along with some Muslims and Orthodox and east Rite Catholics.

The supernatural beliefs are those of the Catholic church are mixed with popular Spanish beliefs and been incorporated into Catholicism. There are also beliefs in the evil eye, charms, spells, message through dreams, and various other types of omens. Many of these beliefs, of course, have yielded to the rationalism of the modern age. Others, however, exist below the surface.

Government- Italy is a republic with twenty regions under the central government. In1861, the Italian states were unified under the monarch. The republic was formed on the 2 June 1946 and on the 1^st January 1948. The republic’s constitution was proclaimed. The legal system is a combination of civil and ecclesiastical law. Voters must be 25 years old to vote for senators but only 18 in all other elections.

Family and Gender Roles- traditionally, men went out to work and women took care of the home. However, after World War II, that arrangement changed rapidly. Currently, women participate in every aspect of political, economic, and social life. Women are equal to men under the law and attend universities and work in the labour force in numbers commensurate with their share of the population.

A sign of female independence is Italy’s negative population rates. It is also true however, that women continue to perform many of the same domestic tasks they did in the past while assuming new responsibilities.

In Italian culture, men were given preferential status and treatment. Women were assigned the position of the family. However, Italian women in general always had more power than they were traditionally supposed to have. Currently, Italian women are often considered the most liberated in Europe.

Almost all Italians marry. But there is a custom in many families for a child to remain unmarried to care for aged parents. Divorce was forbidden until recently.

Family is very important in Italy. It is the centre of the social structure and provides a stabilizing influence for its members. Family provides both emotional and financial support to its members. In the north, generally only nuclear family lives together, while in the south, the extended family often resides together in one house.

Food- Food is a means for establishing and maintaining ties among family and friends. No one who enters an Italian home should fail to receive an offering of food and drink.

Dining Etiquette- If invited to an Italian house:

· If an invitation says the dress is informal, wear stylish clothes that are still rather formal/ i.e. jacket and tie for men and an elegant dress for women.

· Punctuality is not mandatory. You may arrive between 15 minutes late if invites to dinner and up to 30 minutes late if invited to a party.

· If you are invited to a meal, bring gift-wrapped such and wine or chocolate.

· If you are invited for dinner and want to send flowers, have them delivered that day.

Table Manners-

· Remain standing until invites to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.

· Table manners are continental. The fork is held in the left hand and knife in the right while eating.

· Follow the lead of the hostess- she sits at the table first, start eating first, and is the first to get up at the end of the meal.

· The host gives the first toast.

· An Honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.

· Women may offer a toast.

· Always take a small amount of food at first so you can be cajoled into accepting a second helping.

· Do not keep your hands in your lap during the meal; however, do not rest your elbows on the table either.

· It is acceptable to leave small amount of food on your plate.

· Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.

· If you don’t want more wine, leave your wineglass nearly full.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Flowers-

· Do not give chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.

· Do not give red flowers as they indicate secrecy.

· Do not give yellow flowers as they indicate jealousy.

· If you bring wine, make sure it is good vintage. Quality, rather than quantity, is important.

· Do not wrap gifts in black, as is traditionally a mourning colour.

· Do not wrap gifts in purple, as it is a symbol of bad luck.

· Gifts are usually opened when received.

Greeting

· Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal.

· The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.

· Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added and well as a pat on the back between men.

· Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.

· Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the first time.

· Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than traditional business cards and include the person’s name, address, title or academic honours, and their telephone numbers.

· If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have calling cards made. Never give your business card in lieu of a calling card in social situation.

Business

Relations and Communication

· Italians prefer to do business with people they know ad trust.

· A third party introduction will go a long way in providing an initial platform from which to work.

· Italians much prefer face to face contact, so it is important to spend time in Italy developing the relationship.

· Your business colleagues will be eager to know something about you as a person before conducting business with you.

· Discussions are not reached in meetings. Meetings are meant for free flow of ideas and to let everyone have their say.

Dress etiquette

· Dressing well is a priority in Italy.

· Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suites.

· Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.

· Elegant accessories are equally important for men and women.

Important Basics

Personal Space

· An arm’s length distance or a bit less is usually an appropriate amount of personal space during conversations. This space tends to be considerably less between friends and family.

· Italians tend to touch quite a bit during conversations. This is more common with good friends and family than say in business or formal situations.

· It is common to see people hug in public; couples kiss in public, women interlock arms with men while walking in the streets etc. Public physical contact is considered normal within certain limits.

Students (copied from cuturecrossing .net)

The school year usually starts in mid-September and ends in June or the beginning of July, after exams are finished.
There are not that many school vacations; two weeks for Christmas and a long weekend for Easter tend to be the norm.
University students can usually dress however the want, although sometimes style depends on what subject is studied. For example, business students might dress more formally than philosophy or language art students.
Most grades are based on a scale from 0-30, with thirty being the best. A grade of at least 18 is needed to pass. There are generally 8 exams each year, four after each semester, and one must receive at least 18 on each exam to pass. They do not take the average of tall of the exam scores.
In low level required course, large lecture style classes are common. Once one has moved up to more specialized courses, small group work and seminars are more common.

There are no sports teams at most Italian universities, so most of the social scene revolves around house parties or going out to the bars or dance clubs.
Since student dorms and housing is very rare and extremely hard to come by, most students find apartments to share. Hence parties are common at student apartments. Otherwise, Italians enjoy going out to restaurants, drinking at bars or going out later to discos.
In university towns, there is generally a night a week designated as student night in the local bars.
In early 2005, it became illegal to smoke in public places, such as restaurants and bars. There are some smoking areas, but for the most part people smoke out on the terrace or at home.
When it comes to dating, the guys used to be the ones to the girl out on a date, however, now it is becoming more equal.
Going out for a drink or to dinner would be a normal first date.

Drinking is common, but moderately. Italians generally drink for the taste of wine. In the northeast, aperitifs are an important part of socializing - the bars fill up between 7-8 with people drinking a light cocktail or wine before dinner. Spritz (sparkling white wine with mineral water and bittersweet liquor) is the most common aperitif in the Veneto and surrounding areas.
The biggest problem for most students, Italian or other, is finding a student apartment. Often times, you will be required to share a bedroom and even then, prices are quite high.
It also helps to know some Italian before you arrive. Certainly once you are there, it's best to make an effort to learn the language.

Tips For New Managers

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Thu, 19 May 2011 09:32:00 -0700

In one of our team binding workshops to an International corporate, I was approached by a new manager who only started his new role as a Manager a few weeks back. This manager was finding it really hard to “connect” appropriately with his team, motivating them and getting a positive response out of them.

He says that he was about to give up and leave his position, and that this new role has been a daunting experience rather than an exciting opportunity into building a successful career in a job that he likes.

Now did you ever experience that feeling before? I certainly have!!

It is not an easy task to take on managing an existing team, that has strong minded, insightful, self-reliant, occasionally disorganised professionals that every single one of them has his own experiences and own ambitions. Even the most experienced managers might find it a daunting experience and extremely uncomfortable.

However, I am also a great believer that in order to influence people and create devoted followers to you as a leader you need to first convince yourself of your own leadership skills. Leading people involves so many skills. But, a very important skill that many professionals ignore or do not pay so much attention to is “performance”. As a successful Manager and professional, you need to work on your performance skills. You need to convince yourself firstly and the others secondly that you are here to lead and make a positive impact on you company and your team. And I can guarantee you that in no time you will earn the respect of your team members and your boss.

Your “Performance” Success relies on how well you can disguise your insecurities and anxiety. Of course in no means I’m implying is to deceive the people around you to get the respect. YOU HAVE To EARN IT!!

However, establishing a good start for yourself in your new role, will give you the confidence to move on positively towards achieving good results for your team and your career, meanwhile working towards and achieving the jobs objectives gaining respect, experience and building good solid connections. In 2007 a study found that a bad start as a new manager was number 1 reason for professionals for leaving their jobs.

Two Golden rules you should remember:

1. Never assume that you could make all you team members happy by solving every single problem that comes in their way.

2. Treat your boss as a friend not as an enemy. You might not have the qualities that you desire in your boss. But, keep him/her as an “ally”.

What are the emotional Intelligence skills that you should possess?

Self-regard, Emotional self-awareness, Assertiveness, Independence, Self-actualisation Empathy, Social responsibility, Interpersonal relationship, Stress Tolerance, Impulse control, Reality testing, Flexibility, Optimism, Happiness.

Managers who are highly skilled, ambitious and intelligent, but who are struggling to get back the results that aim for, only need to consider working on their “Emotional Intelligence Skills” and I can with confidence say they will succeed.

Diversity at work place

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:55:00 -0700

Diversity is not only a word that gets thrown or flagged around at times in meetings or during employees assessment. Diversity needs to be understood and respected and implemented at workplaces. It does not only help establish a good atmosphere in your place of work, but also gives your employees the confidence and teaches respect between you employees and therefore, will reflect positively on their performance.

In ATW-ICS we work with you to determine and deliver the intervention that will best achieve your organisation’s diversity objectives and reduce exposure to risks of discrimination.

Most of us would agree that cultural diversity in the workplace helps and deliver skills to its fullest, and contributes to the overall growth and prosperity of those organisation and the countries that implements and encourages cultural diversity.

Here are some of the things that we can help your organisation achieve, and things that you should take care of and try to implement and improve at your workplace:

· Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse cultures

· Mentor individuals from different backgrounds

· Be sensitive to older employees within their organisation

· Build foundations of teamwork

· Deal with the varying perspectives of individuals from diverse cultures

· Resolve conflicts by focusing on the common goal

And many more…

Need more information please contact us by filling out our form

Team Management skills stories & Morals

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:25:00 -0700

On a sunny day in a forest a fox out on a walk passes a lion sitting outside his cave and lying lazily in the sun.

Fox: Do you know the time Lion? My watch is broken!

Lion: Oh, I can fix the watch for you.

Fox: Hmm... But it’s a very complicated mechanism, and your big claws will only destroy it even more.

Lion: Oh no give it to me and it will be fixed.

The fox hesitating gives his watch to the lion that in his turn disappears into his cave. After a while the lion comes out holding the fox’s watch perfectly fixed.

The fox takes his watch and scurries on happily with his fixed watch, while the lion sits back lazily outside his cave enjoying the sun.

A while later a wolf passes by and asks the lion whether he could come on later that evening and watch telly with the lion because his TV is broken?

Lion: Bring me your TV and I’ll get it fixed for you.

Wolf: You don’t expect me to believe such rubbish, do you? There is no way you can fix my TV with your big claws.

Lion: Just try me. Get you TV and I’ll fix it for you in no time.

The wolf with a worried face gives the confident lion his TV and waits. The lion comes out after a while with a perfectly fixed TV to the delight of the wolf that runs quickly home to watch his programme.

Later that day, the lion tired of sitting outside his cave goes in to be met by half a dozen intelligent looking rabbits that are busily doing very complicated work. The lion stands and says a few encouraging words and thanks them for their hard work and goes to lie down while the happy rewarded and content rabbits carry on with their work.

Did you ever wonder why a Manager is famous? Look at his team management skills. The lion might not be the most effective of all, but his confidence in his team makes him successful.

You might have the best skilled team members in the world but without a Good leadership and acknowledged appreciation their work might not be worth a thing!

Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:19:00 -0700

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying before “Born to be a leader “. So the question would be:

1. Are leadership skills a talent that cannot be learnt?

2. Should leadership jobs be left for those with the right skills to apply for the job?

Companies who are usually seeking to fill a management job role, seek to get the right person who has the right knowledge for their business but as equally they look to hire the right person who will be able to lead his/her team successfully and carry out the company’s objectives at the same time.

What is a leader?

A leader is someone who has the confidence to stand alone, to make tough decisions and equally has the ability to be compassionate with others and their needs. And if I want to describe "a leader" as something, they are like Eagles, they don’t flock, they are hard working, have great dedication and are excellent team players and communicators.

Leadership skills, I can say with all confidence are something that can be learnt, all you need is set your mind on what you would like to achieve.

And once you have that figured out, all you need to do is really discipline yourself, and work hard at achieving your goals.

A team leader needs to have high ethics, and the willingness to go the extra mile to reach your goal. We all know that hard work and dedication always repay you back and working on your team work skills is no exception.

Becoming good example for your team and considerate is also quite important to win your team over. Sometimes it only takes hearing a few motivational and encouragement words to win your employees over, and make them work harder when they know that they will win a few words of appreciation from their manager.

By appreciating your team member’s efforts you will give them confidence in their work and themselves and your reward would be a happy, hard working and ambitious team to lead. Basically, your team will be there for you, when you are for them!

Dedication shows others the success that comes through it. And the encouragement and the support that you offer to others make them feel good about themselves and give them something else to work for.

So my advice would be don’t wait around for things to happen, shape your destiny the way you like it and don’t give up. Skills are there to be learnt and as long as you have the ambition and the will to do something, then you can achieve it!

Self-development in Management

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 5 Mar 2011 09:54:00 -0800

The development of management is a big issue at the moment; many managers think that good leadership is something that happens to them. However, gaining MBA or any other management certifications will not make you a good leader or even improve your leadership skills just by attending or taking those courses.

To become a successful and distinguished manager in your line of work, you will need to take responsibility for your professional development. No one can do it for you, not your company’s HR or any course that you enrol in.

Without a self-motivation attitude and interest in what you are doing, you will simply fail to reach the level of good leadership that you aim and hope for.

Before you start working at achieving your "professional" self- development you need to think and answer precisely the following question.

· What do I want to achieve?

The next step would be to plan how you are going to achieve your goal e.g. seminars, courses (leadership, effective management, communication etc.), and of course practice and try your new learnt methods or ideas on your targeted audience (employees, clients, colleagues etc.)

It is important to keep in mind that change and self-development is not a magic thing that happens overnight and once you set your mind into. It is a change that you will need to learn and adapt to whether in your work style or communication.

You need to become what you want to be!

By becoming a good manager you would need to become a good communicator and negotiator and of course not forgetting a good listener and observer.

A good manager is a people person, who knows how to deal with all sorts of personalities, and who is able to influence people in a positive way, achieving his goal but at the same time insuring their engagement, giving as well as receiving.

We also should not forget that an equally important quality to being a people person, a manager has to have the interest and the ambition to learn new things on the go, be aware and willing of the need to update their knowledge and expertise by reading, attending seminars and workshops.

A Good Manager is who knows what he is talking about.

Knowledge gives you confidence, but being brave and able to try new things and lead it is also an important element for great leadership.

Stories and morals

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 09:06:00 -0800

The boy and the Nettles

A BOY was stung by a Nettle. He ran home and told his Mother,

saying, "Although it hurts me very much, I only touched it

gently." "That was just why it stung you," said his Mother. "The

next time you touch a Nettle, grasp it boldly, and it will be

soft as silk to your hand, and not in the least hurt you."

Moral: Whatever you do, do with all your might.

The Cage Bird and the Bat

  A singing bird was confined in a cage which hung outside a window,

and had a way of singing at night when all other birds were asleep.

One night a Bat came and clung to the bars of the cage, and asked

the Bird why she was silent by day and sang only at night. "I have a

very good reason for doing so," said the Bird. "It was once when I was

singing in the daytime that a fowler was attracted by my voice, and

set his nets for me and caught me. Since then I have never sung except

by night." But the Bat replied, "It is no use your doing that now when

you are a prisoner: if only you had done so before you were caught,

you might still have been free."

Moral: "Precautions are useless after the crisis."

The Cock and the Jewel

  A COCK, scratching for food for himself and his hens, found a

precious stone and exclaimed:  "If your owner had found thee, and

not I, he would have taken thee up, and have set thee in thy

first estate; but I have found thee for no purpose.  I would

rather have one barleycorn than all the jewels in the world."

Moral: The ignorant despise what is precious because they cannot understand it

  The Dogs and the Hides

  SOME DOGS famished with hunger saw a number of cowhides steeping

in a river.  Not being able to reach them, they agreed to drink

up the river, but it happened that they burst themselves with

drinking long before they reached the hides.

Moral:  Attempt not impossibilities

  The Eagle and the Arrow

  AN EAGLE sat on a lofty rock, watching the movements of a Hare

whom he sought to make his prey.  An archer, who saw the Eagle

from a place of concealment, took an accurate aim and wounded him

mortally.  The Eagle gave one look at the arrow that had entered

his heart and saw in that single glance that its feathers had

been furnished by himself.  "It is a double grief to me," he

exclaimed, "that I should perish by an arrow feathered from my

own wings."

Moral: We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction

In our business and life, we need other's mistakes and experiences to guide us. Making mistakes is not always a bad thing, however we also need to open our minds and accept other's previous mistakes and allow it to teach us and  guide us through our own road with as less mistakes as possible.

Reference: aespfables

New adjustments Needed for International Business

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 07:53:00 -0800

With the political changes the Arab world is taking at the moment, comes concern to many businesses in Europe and the world.

The turn of events in many countries in the Middle East can take either way. Positive impact on business growth and or negative one in regards to business relationships between the west and the Middle East.

In many ways the west has always encouraged fair practices of democracy to be practiced in the Arab countries. The west always seemed to put pressure on the Arab leaders to support democracies and practice human rights. However, I can’t but wonder whether democracy in the Arab world is what the west needs at the moment. The Global financial difficulties that most of the western countries are struggling to get out of encouraged businesses to divert their attention to the East where the money is.

Most business people who had done business in any of the Arab countries know that business is conducted in a special way, basically “The more you bribe and get connected, the better your chance is in getting a certain job”. Business corruption has made it very difficult for decent and ambition small businesses to take off and get a fair chance. Nevertheless, this same business corruption has opened its arms for many western businesses to benefit from the easy to the non-existent business regulations and fair treatment.

So now that the Arab people are showing the world their rebalance against their governments and are saying no more to unfair treatment, no to corruption in business and politics demanding to get their fair right in good employments and business support, I can’t but help wonder what kind of unclear future that brings the west?

Do businesses in the west need to adjust their International business skills to the changes taking place in the Middle East right now? How fast? In what way?

Indeed the new circumstances in the Middle East are to be taken real seriously. It is quite natural that those countries will take their time before they get back on their feet again, set new rules, new regulations and new systems. And all we can do at the moment tread very carefully, observe the new situation and of course wish the Arab people all the best in creating a new and fair democracy that can be beneficial for both them their countries and the world.

Scotland (Cultures & Countries)

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:57:00 -0800

Geography and location

Scotland forms the northern part of the island of Great Britain (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Scotland is 31,510 sq. Miles in area; it is 274 miles long from North to South and varies in breadth between 24 and 145 miles.

The climate is cool, wet, and often windy. The capital is London.

History

In the eleventh century, the Scottish kingdom was a ethnic patchwork of Scots, Picts, Angles, and Britons. Under the Anglo-Norman feudal institutions, many cities were founded, often populated by Flemish, Norman, English, and Scandinavian immigrants.

The link between Scotland and England were reinforced by dynastic strategy when King James VI of Scotland acquired the English throne as James I.

Population

In 2010, the population was estimated 5,170,492, with over three million persons in the central belt. There are around 65 thousand native Gaelic native speakers. There are also approximately 20,000 Pakistanis, 10,000 Indians, 10,000 Chinese, 6000 blacks (Africa, Caribbean, other), 4500 “other” Asians, and 1000 Bangladeshis, and 8500 from other ethnic groups. There are also many people from Italian and Polish extraction. People raised in Scotland will often refer to themselves as Scots regardless of their ethnic background.

Cultural tension exists between Catholics and Protestant and Highlanders and Lowlanders. However, the Labour party has been a major force on integrating the Protestant and the Catholic communities. There are also ethnic tensions between the Scots and English in some areas over access to jobs and housing, and non-white Scots often encounter racism.

Languages

Only a portion of the Highland-Island population speaks Gaelic as a bilingual milieu. Also, major governmental policy statements and slogans and publications of political parties are translated into Gaelic.

Scots speak English with strong Danish influence. It is also the official language for formal communication and administration. The immigration has brought many foreign languages.

Religion

Much of Scotland (particularly the West Central Belt around Glasgow) has experienced problems caused by the religious divide between Presbyterians and Roman Catholics. Some Scots maintain that sectarianism is still deeply rooted in Scottish society. This problem has historically manifested itself in a number of ways, particularly in discrimination in employment and in football fanaticism. The problems associated with sectarianism in Scotland have diminished markedly in recent years, although some issues remain. The Scottish police have recently moved to restrict the number of Orange Order parades.

As well as the Church of Scotland there are various other Protestant churches, including the Scottish Episcopal Church, which forms a full part of the Anglican Communion, and the Free Church of Scotland, a Presbyterian off-shoot from the Church of Scotland.

Islam is the largest non-Christian religion in Scotland, although its numbers remain small. There are also significant Jewish and Sikh communities, especially in Glasgow. Scotland has a high proportion of persons who regard themselves as having "no religion".

Basic Economy

Most Scottish industry and commerce is concentrated in a few large cities on the waterways of the central lowlands. Edinburgh, on the Firth of Forth, is a cultural canter, the administrative capital of Scotland, and a centre of paper production and publishing. Glasgow, one of the largest cities in Great Britain, lies on the Clyde; it is Scotland's leading seaport and a canter of shipbuilding and it supports numerous light industries. Although heavy industry has declined, the high-technology “Silicon Glen” corridor has developed between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Tourism is also very important.

The significance of coal, once Scotland's most important mineral resource, has declined. Oil, however, gained prominence in Scotland's economy during the 1970s, with the growth of North Sea oil extraction companies. Natural gas is also abundant in the North Sea fields. Aberdeen is the canter of the oil industry. Other important industries are textile production (woollens, worsted, silks, and linens), distilling, and fishing. Textiles, beer, and whisky, which are among Scotland's chief exports, are produced in many towns. Salmon are taken from the Tay and the Dee, and numerous coastal towns and villages are supported by the herring catch from the North Sea. Only about one fourth of the land is under cultivation (principally in cereals and vegetables), but sheep raising is important in the mountainous regions. Because of the persistence of feudalism and the land enclosures of the 19th century, the ownership of most land in Scotland is concentrated in relatively few hands (some 350 people own about half the land). In 2003, as a result, the Scottish parliament passed a land reform act that empowered tenant farmers and communities to purchase land even if the landlord did not want to sell.

Etiquette

Rules of etiquette are affected by status, class, and familiarity. An initial reserve toward strangers is likely to be high lightened if one party is of higher status. However, friendliness and verbal politeness are expected in everyday life. Light, humorous banter, often about soccer, facilitates interactions. The notion that Scots are friendly and open than the English people in common.

Business Etiquette

Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly (Suits for both men and women). Appointments should be arranged before hand and business cards are exchanged during the first meeting, a quick glance maybe taken, so don’t get offended if they do not prolong looking at your card . A firm hand shake on meeting your business hosts and on leaving and remember to use their surnames until a good and firm relationship has been established or agreed upon using first names. Punctuality is expected at meetings. Standard office openings are from Monday to Friday 0900-1700.

Avoid prolonged eye contact as it makes people feel uncomfortable. In British culture there is certain etiquette in introducing people to each other.

· Introduce younger person to older

· Introduce a lower rank person to a person with higher rank.

· When people of a similar rank, introduce the one you know better to the other person.

If invited to someone’s home, it is normal to take along a box of chocolate, wine or flowers. Gifts are accepted when received.

Unlike other Europeans, British people enjoy entertaining people in their own homes. Punctuality is appreciated; however being late between 5-10 minutes is OK. British people use fork and knife for eating, scooping the food to the back of the fork. When invited to the pub, buy a round of drinks for everyone in your group.

If invited for a meal at a restaurant, the person extending the invitation usually pays the bill. Do not argue about the bill; instead return the invitation at a latter time.

Business meetings

If you are planning to use your own agenda for a meeting, insure you send a copy to your British associates so they can review in good time and add to it if needed.

Punctuality in business meetings is extremely important, and the Scots are very punctual. Call and explain your reasons if you are 5 minutes late.

Meetings in general are quite formal. The meetings always have defined purpose, which may include and agenda. Before the meeting starts there will be a brief amount of time to small talk before getting down to business. Take good care of any presentations or materials you are presenting and keep it professional and well thought of. Be prepared to back up your claims with facts and figures. Maintain eye contact and be aware of personal space.

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The Power of Body Language

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:49:00 -0800

In previous posts we have highlighted the importance of taking control of your body language in business. Controlling and being aware of what kind of messages your body is saying to people about you is an extremely valuable skill to learn and explore further.

Our body is a mirror to our emotions and thoughts, and often than not it betray us and tells others things that we do not wish to share out loud.

The skill of controlling and reading the body language is a very powerful and useful tool. It can give you the ability to change any circumstance to your advantage. Often one clever move can change things for your own side. The secret here is reading what is going around you correctly can be beneficial to your main purpose and get your closer to achieving your aim.

GOOD OBSERVER is what you need to become. Paying attention to people’s body movement and becoming sensitive to their emotions, then no doubt you will be able to predict what those around you are thinking and therefore, change your tactics in order to get your way.

Here are some of things to watch in people, and would love to hear how you are doing!!!

Someone lying:

· Hiding their palms away

· Their body expression stiff and limited with few movements of the arms

· Avoiding straight eye contact

· Touching their face, cheeks and nose can also be a sign of them hiding something or not telling the full truth

· Avoid touching their chest with open palm

Someone uninterested in what you say

· Lowering their head is a negative signal that communicates acceptance of defeat

· Too much nodding indicates that the listener has lost interest, is not listening and is simply nodding to be polite

· Someone may touch slightly their nose if they are doubtful about what is being said or if they are rejecting an idea

Interested in what you say

· A tilted head symbolises interest in someone or something

· The occasional nod from a listener to speaker is a positive message, it’s an indication that they are listening and are interested

Decision

· Touching and tugging an ear indicates indecision, although it’s also sometimes done when a person is being untruthful

· Placing the hand on the cheek when they are thinking or evaluating

· A person stroking their chin is evaluating or making a decision

Fake and genuine smile

· A genuine smile engages the whole face (including the eyes) and it is usually larger on the right side

· A false smile will often only engage the lips, and will fairly symmetrical or larger on the left side

Uneasy or aggressive

· Fondling or patting down the hair demonstrates insecurity and a lack of self-confidence

· Projecting the chin towards another person demonstrates defiance or aggression

· Clearing the throat or swallowing air is a sign of anxiety

If you are interested in taking your skills further, or book one of our workshops click here

Turkey (Countries & Cultures)

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Fri, 4 Feb 2011 05:51:00 -0800

Location, Geography

Turkey is an area of 301,578 square miles; it occupies Asia Minor and a small portion of Europe. Turkey is bounded on the west by Aegean Sea; on the North West by the Sea of Marmara, Greece, and Bulgaria; on the east by Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran; and on the south by Iraq, Syria, and the Mediterranean. Istanbul is the capital.

Turkey has 4,454 miles of coastline. The interior consists of mountains, hills, valleys, and a high central plateau.

Population estimated in 2010 officially (67,803,927), however effectively the population is around 75 million, with 56% of the people living in urban areas and 35% in small villages.

History

Turkey was founded in 1923 as a multiethnic and multilingual Ottoman Empire, which existed between the fourteenth and early twentieth century's which spread along much of the Middle East along with parts of southeastern Europe and North Africa in the sixteenth century.

The Turks originated in inner Asia. Their language belongs to the Atlantic family. The earliest evidence of Turkish writing dates to the eighth century C.E. The language is influenced by Persian and Arabic, when the Turks began moving into the Middle East and converting into Islam around the ninth century. Many Arabic and Persian words were replaced with words derived from ancient Turkish, after the establishment of the Turkish Republic.

Religion

About 98% of Turkey’s citizens are Muslims, of whom about 85% are Sunnis and 20% members of the Shiite sects. Turkish Muslims recognize the standard Islamic creed and duties, but only the most religious fast or make pilgrimage to Mecca. 4% of Turks identify themselves as atheists, and 4% as agnostics.

Ethnicity

There are at least 35 non Turkish ethnic groups, including other Turkic people who speak different Turkic languages. Turkey does not categorize its population by ethnicity, and the sizes of ethnic groups must be estimated.

Those who speak non-Turkic languages include Kurds, Armenians, Greeks, Circrassians, Georgians, Laz, Arabs, Rom (Gypsies), Ossetes, Albanians, and the Chechens.

Food

Turkish food includes many different stews of vegetables and meat (lamb and beef primarily). In winter many Turks eat a breakfast of bread with hot soup. In warmer seasons, they usually eat bread and jam, cheese, olives with warm tea or milk. A typical noon meal consists of vegetable and meat stew with a side dish of rice or bulgur pilaf and salad, and fruit for dessert. The evening meal is usually lighter, consisting of leftovers from noon or a kebab with salad. Usually water is drunk with both meals.

All cities have numerous restaurants and snack stands. However, many specialize in limited number of food, such as Kebab, soup, meat wraps, pastries, and fish. Higher class restaurants usually set aside a section for females and families.

Pork is a major food taboo in Turkey, and which is forbidden to Muslims. And although alcoholic drinks are also forbidden in Islam many Turkic drink beers, wine, and liquors. Certain segments of the Muslim population regard other food as taboo even though their religion does not prohibit them. The Yuruks, a formerly nomadic Turkish people, avoid all seafood with the exception of fish. Members of the Alvi sect of Islam do not eat rabbit meat because it menstruates. Turks in the northwestern province of Balikesir avoid snails, claiming incorrectly that the Koran forbids their consumption.

Turkish drink tea throughout the day, thick coffee is usually drunk after a meal.

Basic Economy

Turkey is self-sufficient in food production. Turkey’s economy is a mix of private and state economic enterprise. Factories produce a wide variety of products, including processed foods, textiles and footwear5, iron and steel, chemicals, cement, fertilizers, kitchen appliances, radios and television sets. Montage industries that utilize a combination of imported and domestic parts assemble cars, trucks, and buses as well as aircrafts.

Trading also plays an important role to the economy. Turkey’s entrance into a customs union agreement with the European Union in 1995 facilitated trade with EU countries. The major exports were textiles and apparel 37%, iron and steel products 10%, and foodstuff 17%. The Major exports partners are Germany 20%, the United States 8%, Russia 8%, and Italy 5%.

Imports include machinery 26%, fuels 13%, raw materials 10%, and foodstuff 4%. The primary imports are Germany 16%, Italy 9%, the United States 9%, France 6%, and the United Kingdom 6%.

Social Statue

The most determinants of social status are wealth and education. The basic categories include the wealthy urban educated class, the urban middle class, the large rural landowner class, and the general rural population. A university education is the minimum qualification for entry into the urban educated class, in which there are numerous substrata.

Most men of all social classed have adopted western styles of dress. Men and women of upper and middle classes pay attention to western fashions.

Gender Roles

Turkish law guarantees equal pay for equal work and has opened practically all educational programs and occupations to women. However, men dominate the high status occupations in business, the military, government, the professions, and academia.

Etiquette

Strict etiquette governs most social interactions and the use of space. Turkish culture has an exact verbal formula for practically every occasion, and it is required to use the correct formulas for these occasions. Older people are addressed formally, and younger people are expected to act reserved in their presence. Adults of the opposite sex are expected not to show affection in the public. Friends of the same sex may hold hands and greet each other with kisses on the cheek. Upon meeting men shake hands with each other, but it is always wise to wait for women to offer their hands first before shaking it.

Homes are divided into guest and private areas, and it is improper to ask for a tour around the house. Shoes are removed when entering a home or mosque.

People are not criticized for being late!

Business Etiquette

Turks prefer to do business with people who they are familiar with and respect. Therefore, it is important for those wishing to establish business relations with Turks, to consider spending time to get know their Turks partners and give them a chance to familiarize themselves with you. You can do so over a chat in the office, dinners, lunches, and through social outings. You can enquire about the family without prying, and questions about the children are always welcome. The Turks are very proud about their country, and will enjoy talking to you about it and about its rich history. However, be careful not to go into politics and keep your questions conversations pleasant and positive. Football talks are also topic the Turks will love to discuss, and share stories about their favorite team.

Courtesy is a must and very important in business dealings.

Once you establish good communication with your clients and partners, communication will be direct.

Shake hands firmly when meeting with your partners or clients, a hand shake at the end of your meeting is also a good idea although not essential. Eye contact while having a conversation is vital.

Business Negotiation

Turks are visual people so in addition to written well presented proposals, insure that you give them a good oral presentation combined with maps, charts and graphs etc.

Insure that your proposal clearly demonstrate the mutual benefits and profitability of any agreement or partnership.

In Turkey a lot of the businesses are led by families, and therefore business is more or less personal to many private businesses. It is therefore important that you respect that and be aware that you most likely will meet and negotiate with less senior member of the family at first and once a trust has been established you will meet and negotiate with the senior members. A decision will be ultimately be made by the head of the family/company.

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Cross Cultural Communication.wmv

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 11:16:00 -0800

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 11:15:00 -0800

Cross Cultural Communication

Islam (Religions)

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 02:36:00 -0800

If you are conducting a business in the Middle East, then an intro about Islam is extremely helpful, to help you understand people's behaviour and way of life.

Islam is the number one growing religion in the world, and many Muslims around the world take the teaching of Islam very seriously and often Islam is the principle and the fundamental to everything they do.

There are over one billion Muslim around the world, spread in many countries and speak different languages.

Islam and Muslims

The name Islam comes from the word Slim and Salam which is peace. All followers of Islam are Muslims, and they must not be confused with Arabs. A Muslim could be an Arab, American, Australian, Afghani etc.

Also an Arab could be the follower of a different religion Christian, Jew etc. People who have adopted the Arab language as their mother tongue are called Arabs.

Many people confuse the two together because Islam came from what is today Saudi Arabia through the Prophet Mohammed, and the Qur’an (Holly book of Muslims) is in Arabic.

The Arab Muslims make about 20% of the one billion Muslims only. However, there are only 10% non Muslims living in the Arab world.

Allah and Muslim Beliefs

The Muslim belief says that Allah (God) is the only God and no one else. Allah is just one name of ninety nine names Allah has: Allah the Greatest Name

Allah is the creator of everything and the God of everyone, and Muslims worship the God that name is Allah. Muslims put their trust in him and seek his help and Guidance.

The Prophet Mohammed

Mohammed was chosen by God to deliver his Message of Peace. Mohammed the prophet was born in 570 C.E. in Mecca on the Arabian peninsula. The message that he received was the Qur’an, and the word was the Islam. Mohammed was 40 years old at that time.

Mohammed proclaimed that the Qur'an was the last book of God and that he himself was the last prophet. Allah’s word was sent by his prophet Mohammed to all those religious people to inform them of the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Abraham and Isaac.

The prophet Mohammed has been entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and living the teaching of Qur’an.

The Qur’an

Muslims believe it is the word of God, and Muslim’s beliefs and practices are rooted in the Qur’an. Muslims treat the Qur’an with greatest respect because they believe that it is from Allah, and every word and every letter is sacred.

Mosque

The Muslim’s communal worship is called a mosque. Muslims often refer to the mosque by its Arabic name, masjid.

Muslims are called to prayer from the minaret. The man who enters the minaret and calls them to prayer is called “muezzin”.

There are no pictures or statues in a mosque. They are usually decorated with patterns and words from the Qur’an. There is also no furniture inside, as Muslims use mats or carpets for prayers.

When people enter the Mosque they take off their shoes. This is to keep it clean for prayers.

Before praying, Muslims wash themselves “Wudu”. They wash their hands, mouth, throat, nose, ears, arms to the elbow and feet. This is a sacred wash that symbolises spiritual cleansing and purity in readiness for coming before God.

There is a “Quibla” wall in a Mosque that faces Mecca; it has arch to signify the direction. Muslims always pray facing Mecca.

Women and men do not pray in the same area and usually women have a screened area for them to pray in.

Services are held daily at the Mosque.

Friday is considered the holly day for Muslims and most people attend the midday prayer to pray together (Thohor).

Five Pillars of Islam

There are five duties that every Muslim is obliged to perform.

· Shahadah- Declaration of faith “ I bear witness that there is no God, but God “Allah”, and I bear witness that Mohammed is the prophet of God. By reciting this one enters the faith of Islam.

· Salah- Prayer. Muslims are required to pray five times a day, washing themselves before prayer and facing in the direction of Mecca while praying.

· Zahat- Giving fixed percentage of a Muslim’s money to charity and poor people, regardless of their faith.

· Saum- fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast one lunar month each year, a period called Ramadan. During this time Muslims reflect on their behaviour and strive to purify their thoughts.

· Hajj- Pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are required to travel to Mecca once in their lifetime, if it is financially possible.

Prayers

Muslims are required to pray five times a day. The prayers times are fixed and they depend on the sun and change daily.

Mecca

Mecca is the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed. In the centre of the Mosque in Mecca, is the cube-shaped building called Kaaba is found. All Muslims face the direction of the Kabaa during ritual prayer “Salat”.

Muslims believe that the Kabaa is the holiest place on earth. It is generally thought to have been built by Prophet Abraham. It is only used as a focal point for prayer (not worshiped) and simply signifies a direction, imposed by God to maintain unity and uniformity among worshipers.

Different types of Muslims

Almost 90% of Muslims are Sunni. Shiites are second largest group. The Shiites split from the Sunnis in 632 when Mohammed died.

Muslim Festivals

Ramadan- It is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, and a time where Muslims around the world fast (do not eat in day light).

Eid Al Fiter- The festival for the day after Ramadan. It marks the breaking of the fast for Muslims at the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated for three days.

Eid Al Adha- (The festival of Sacrifice), which occurs 70 days after Eid Al fiter. It is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar. It is to remember the time when Abraham was going to sacrifice his own son to prove obedience to God and marks the end of Hajj. The pilgrimage to Mecca takes place on the 10^th day of last month of the Islamic calendar.

Sudan (Countries & Cultures)

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 1 Jan 2011 13:54:00 -0800

Location and population

Sudan lay in Africa. It shares borders with Egypt, Libya, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Sudan is the largest country in Africa and the 9^th largest in the world, covering 1 million square miles.

The river Nile flows through the country, flowing into the largest man-made lake in the world “Nubia”.

The capital of Sudan is Khartoum.The population is estimated 42,272,000

History/Religion and Language

The first known civilization to inhabit the present Sudan were Meroitic people, who lived in the area between the Atbara and Nile river, three Christian kingdoms came in power at that time (Nobatia, Makurra, and Alwa) and ruled the region for several hundred years before the Arabs arrived, bringing along the Islamic faith with them. Throughout the next seven centuries, Christianity gradually started to die as more Arabs immigrated to the area meanwhile gaining new converts.

In the 1800s, slave trading have been a striving business in the area. I the 1900s the Egyptians used the Sudanese slaves to work as soldiers. Arab and European traders who came to the area looking ivory established slave trade market. This continued until the twentieth century that the slave trade was finally abolished.

Sudan witnessed many invasions by the Turks, Egyptians and the English, until eventually it got its independence on the 01st of January1956.

The official language in Sudan is Arabic, in addition to over a 100 local dialects spoken by the many different tribes.

Economy

Sudan is the 25 poorest countries in the world. 80% of labour force works in agriculture. Only 10% of arable land is cultivated. The main corps produced is (millet, groundnuts, sesame seed, corn, wheat, and fruits, dates, mangoes, guavas, bananas, and citrus).

The government owns and operates the country’s largest farm, a cotton plantation in the central El Geziera region. Cotton is Sudan’s primary export, accounting more than quarter of foreign currency that centres the country. The main exports are Saudi Arabia, Italy, Germany, Egypt, and France.

Main Exports:

Crude Oil and petroleum, cotton, gold, sorghum, peanuts, gum Arabic, sugar, meat, hides, live animals and sesame seeds.

Main Imports:

Oil and petroleum products, oil pipeline, pumping and refining equipment, chemical products and equipment, wheat and wheat flour, transport equipment, food, tea, agricultural inputs and machinery, industrial inputs and manufactured goods. These products mainly come from France, Germany, Japan, and China.

Food and Culture

Only 25% of the population live in cities or towns; the remaining 75% live in rural areas.

Sudanese always starts the day with a cup of tea, and breakfast is eaten around late- morning. In general, meat is expensive and is not consumed often; however for honouring a special guest, sheep are killed for feasts.

Again greeting between different sexes has to be played by ear and depending on the person's religion. However, most Sudanese women do shake hands with men, but it’s better to be safe and wait for a hand to be offered first. Also most families sit together and share the eating area with both sexes.

Business Etiquette

Businessmen should wear a suite and businesswomen can wear a business suite or a long skirt. Business women need to dress modestly. Also stating clearly to your business host the gender of the person they are meeting could be a good idea especially if it is a female. English is largely spread in business; however learning a few Arabic words might be preserved as a good gesture on your behalf. Punctuality is not a big issue, but a courtesy phone call when late is not a bad idea.

Patience and politeness are a must, again as many other Arabic countries the meeting could be interrupted many times by people who would just come in to discuss their own business, however the meeting will just be picked up where it was interrupted as soon as the person leaves. Starting business through introduction is always helpful at developing trust quicker!!

Business cards need to be translated at the back in Arabic.

France (Countries & Cultures)

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 05:24:00 -0800

Location and population

France has an area of over 200,000 square miles, making it the largest Western European nation. It covers 5 percent of the European continent. Paris is the capital. France borders Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, and Switzerland. The country has an opening to the Atlantic to the west and has coasts on the Mediterranean Sea to the South and the English Channel to the north.

In 1999, the population was 58,518,748. France has a low population density compared to other countries in Western Europe. In attempt to keep the population up, family allowances are given to each family per child, with no income restriction. Migration has added to the population and it is accounted for half the total population growth.

Language and Religion

The official language is French. Also some of the regional languages and dialects such as Breton, Catalan, Corsican, Basque, Alsatian, and Flemish are still in use, and some are still taught in regional schools.

Religion: Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslims 5%, unaffiliated 4%.

Society and Culture

Family is the social adhesive of the country. The extended family provides both emotional and financial support. Despite the French’s reputation of Romance, they are quite practical towards marriage. Families have few children; however parents take their role as guardians and providers very seriously.

French people separate between their personal and business life. They are generally known to be polite in their dealings outside their family and close friend’s circles, where they can be themselves.

Friendships bring a set of responsibilities with it, including being available when you are needed by friends, and it requires frequent contact if not daily.

Food: Food is one of the greatest passions of the French people. They are quite careful and dedicated with their food preparation. The food taste and preparations is greatly influenced by region and what is grown locally. All French people like using fresh ingredients in their food.

Classes and casts: The social class is divided into three groups: small upper class, large middle and lower-middle classes, and a small number of poor people. The upper class includes wealthy Polynesian-European families, Chinese merchant families, and foreign residents. The middle class includes members of all ethnic groups. The families usually own their homes and have at least one wage earner in the household.

Economy and Trade

The economy is heavily dependent on French social programmes and military spending. The most important goods are black pearls, followed by flowers, agricultural exports. The active agricultural trade are fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Tourism is underdeveloped; however the jobs and income from tourism are significant in islands that have resorts. Imports of food and other goods including automobiles, appliances, and building materials are enormous by comparison to exports of locally produced goods. Most trade occurs within the Pacific basin with major trading partners in Taiwan and Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hawaii, and California. Also a luxury trade take place mainly within the European Union such as wine, cheese, automobiles, and clothing.

Social Etiquette

Generosity and hospitality are central values in France. Greeting take place by handshaking and exchanging three kisses on the cheeks. It is extremely impolite not to shake hands with everyone present in a room unless the number of people is extremely large. Shoes are taken off when entering someone’s home.

Dinning etiquette: If invited for dinner into a French home, insure you arrive on time. If it is inevitable to be late, call your host and explain! If you are invited for a large dinner in Paris, send flowers that morning of that day, so they can be displayed that evening. Dress well!

Table manners in France are Continental- Fork in left hand and knife in the right while eating. There might be a seating plan so wait until you are directed to where to sit by your host. Do not starts with eating your food until your host say “Bon appétit”. Do not rest elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible. Never cut your salad, but folded over your fork before eating it. If you haven’t finishes eating place your cutlery on your plate with the fork over the knife. Always peel and cut your fruit before eating it. Insure your plate is empty when finished eating. Leave your glass of wine almost full to indicate that you do not wish to have anymore.

Business Etiquette

French business behaviour emphasizes courtesy and a degree of formality. Mutual trust and respect is required, and it is achieved by proper behaviour. It is advisable to think about quickly creating Business alliances as this will aid your business enormously. If you do not speak French, it is polite to apologise for not knowing the language, as this might aid in developing a relationship. It is also a good idea to learn a few phrases of French to show your interest in developing long- term relationships. The French are quite direct in their business meeting and they are not afraid to ask direct questions. Written communication should be formal, and making an appointment is usually done by a secretary. Booking an appointment should be arranged at least two weeks before. Scheduling an appointment in July and August is not advisable as those two months are when the French take holidays. When attending a meeting, wait to be told where to sit. Keeping an eye contact when speaking is also important. Business is contacted slowly and patience is required. Avoid high pressure tactics. It will get you nowhere. The French are extremely thorough with analyzing every detail of a proposal. Decisions are usually made by the top leaders of a company. The French appreciate a good debater and an intellectual grasp of the situation. Never attempt to be overly friendly. The French separate their business and personal life. Business discussions can be over heated and intense, however avoid high- pressure tactics, and keep to a low- key level.. When an agreement is reached, the French will insist it be formalised in a precisely worded contract. So be aware what you are signing for and you will only get what is in the contract.

Business dress code should be stylish and understated. Men on the first business meeting should dress in a dark conservative suite, after that it largely depends on what kind of business you are conducting. Women should wear business suites or formal dresses with light colours.

The exchange of business cards takes place after the introduction without formal ritual. It is not necessary to translate the other side of your card however; it will reflect attention to details on your behalf. Include any advanced academic degrees on your business card.

Handshakes To Avoid In Business

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 06:38:00 -0800

In a previous post I demonstrated some the greeting styles in different countries Greetings (Cultures and Countries). Today I would like to mention the ten handshakes that people in business should avoid doing. It is extremely important for business people to be conscious of their handshake and what effect it is leaving people with.

You’ll be surprised how few people know how they come across to others in initial meetings, despite the fact that most of us are aware that the first few minutes of that meeting can make or break a relationship.

Take the time to practice handshake with your friends and colleagues and ask them what they think and how your handshake left them feeling about you and what impression it gave them. You can quickly learn how to deliver a positive handshake every time with only sparing sometime to practice.

Today however I would like to share with you eight different handshakes that you should avoid doing in Business encounters:

· The wet fish- Wet fish makes it universally unpopular handshake especially when the hand is clammy or cold. Most people associate it with weak character, mainly because of the ease with which the palm can be turned over.

· The Vice- This handshake reveals a desire to dominate and assume early control of the relationship or put people in their place. The palm is presented in the down position with one sharp downward pump followed by two or three vigorous return strokes and a grip that can even stop blood flow to the hand.

· The Bone- Crusher- The Bone Crusher is the most feared of all handshakes as it leaves an indelible memory on the recipient’s mind and impresses no other than the initiator. This handshake is a trademark of the overly aggressive personality who, without warning, seizes the early advantage and attempts to demoralise his opponent by grinding his knuckles to a smooth paste. If you are a female avoid wearing rings on your right hand in business encounters as the Bone crusher could draw blood and leave you to open your business dealings in a state of shock.

· The finger-tip Grab- A common occurrence in male-female greeting, the finger-tip Grab is a handshake that missed the mark and the user mistakenly grabs the other person’s fingers. Even though the initiator may seem to have an enthusiastic attitude towards the receiver, he in fact lacks confidence in himself.

· The stiff- Arm thrust- It is used in an aggressive manner and its purpose is to keep you at a distance and away from their personal space. It is usually used by people who want to protect their personal space.

· The Socket- Wrencher- A popular handshake of power players and common cause of watering eyes and, in extreme cases, torn ligaments. It involves forcefully gripping the receiver’s outstretched palm, then simultaneously applying a sharp reverse thrust, attempting to drag the receiver into their initiators territory.

· The pump handle- The pumper grabs the hand of the pumpee and commences and energetic and rythmatic serious of rapid vertical strokes.

· The Dutch treat- This handshake has its origins in the Netherlands, where a person can be accused of “giving a handshake like a bunch of carrots”. It is a distant relative of the wet Fish but stiffer and less clammy to the touch.

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مجنون مع الناس أم عاقل وحدك

noreply@blogger.com (Across The World ICS) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 04:54:00 -0800

Please use the translate tool in order to read in English!

يحكى أن طاعون الجنون نزل في نهر يسري في مدينة

..فصار الناس كلما شرب منهم أحد من النهر يصاب بالجنون ..

وكان المجانين يجتمعون ويتحدثون بلغة لا يفهمها العقلاء ..

واجه الملك الطاعون وحارب الجنون ..

حتى إذا ما أتى صباح يوم استيقظ الملك وإذا الملكة قد جنت ..

وصارت الملكة تجتمع مع ثلة من المجانين تشتكي من جنون الملك !!
نادى الملك بالوزير : يا وزير الملكة جنت أين كان الحرس ..
الوزير : قد جن الحرس يا مولاي
الملك : إذن اطلب الطبيب فوراً
الوزير : قد جن الطبيب يا مولاي
الملك: ما هذا ، من بقي في هذه المدينة لم يجن ؟
رد الوزير : للأسف يا مولاي لم يبقى في هذه المدينة ولم يجن سوى أنت وأنا
الملك : يا الله أأحكم مدينة من المجانين
الوزير : عذراً يا مولاي ، فان المجانين يدعون أنهم هم العقلاء ..

ويدعون بأنه لا يوجد في هذه المدينة مجنون سوى أنت وأنا
الملك : ما هذا الهراء ! هم من شرب من النهر وبالتالي هم من أصابهم الجنون !
الوزير : الحقيقة يا مولاي أنهم يقولون إنهم شربوا من النهر لكي يتجنبوا الجنون!!

لذا فإننا مجنونان لأننا لم نشرب..

ما نحن يا مولاي إلا حبتا رمل الآن .. هم الأغلبية ..

هم من يملكون الحق والعدل والفضيلة ..

هم الآن من يضعون الحد الفاصل بين العقل والجنون
هنا قال الملك : يا وزير أغدق علي بكأس من نهر الجنون ...

إن الجنون أن تظل عاقلا في دنيا المجانين !!

بالتأكيد الخيار صعب ..

عندما تنفرد بقناعة تختلف عن كل قناعات الآخرين ..
عندما يكون سقف طموحك مرتفع جداً عن الواقع المحيط ..
هل ستسلم للآخرين.. تخضع للواقع ... وتشرب الكأس ؟

هل قال لك أحدهم : معقولة فلان وفلان وفلان كلهم على خطأ وأنت وحدك الصح !..
إذا وجه إليك هذا الكلام فاعلم أنه عرض عليك لتشرب من الكأس
عندما تدخل مجال العمل بكل طموح وطاقة وإنجاز ..

وتجد زميلك الذي يأتي متأخرا وانجازه متواضع يتقدم ويترقى وأنت في محلك ..

هل يتوقف طموحك .. وتقلل انجازك ... وتشرب الكأس؟
أحياناً يجري الله الحق على لسان شخص غير متوقع ..

مرت طفلة صغيرة مع أمها على شاحنه محشورة في نفق ..
ورجال الإطفاء والشرطة حولها يحاولون عاجزين إخراجها من النفق ..
قالت الطفلة لأمها .. أنا اعرف كيف تخرج الشاحنة من النفق !
استنكرت الأم وردت معقولة كل الاطفائيين والشرطة غير قادرين وأنت قادرة !
ولم تعط أي اهتمام ولم تكلف نفسها بسماع فكرة طفلتها ..
تقدمت الطفلة لضابط المطافئ : سيدي افرغوا بعض الهواء من عجلات الشاحنة وستمر !
وفعلا مرت الشاحنة وحلت المشكلة ..
وعندما استدعى عمدة المدينة البنت لتكريمها ..
كانت الأم بجانبها وقت التكريم والتصوير !
أحيانا لا يكتشف الناس الحق إلا بعد مرور سنوات طويلة على صاحب الرأي المنفرد ..

غاليلوا الذي أثبت أن الأرض كروية لم يصدقه أحد .. وسجن حتى مات !
وبعد 350 سنة من موته اكتشف العالم أن الأرض كروية بالفعل ..
وأن غاليليو كان العاقل الوحيد في هذا العالم في ذلك الوقت ...
الأمر كله يعتمد على إيمانك بالقضية وثقتك في نفسك وثقتك في الاخرين من حولك ..

والآن السؤال موجه لك أنت ..
إذا عرض عليك الكأس ..
هل تفضل أن تكون مجنونا مع الناس !
أو تكون عاقلا وحدك

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