News/ Cross-Cultural Management:
Inês Blu Rodrigues asks, “Are you cross-cultural awakened”?
Move over Jimi Hendrix, and get experienced
Viewpoint by Inês Blu Rodrigues, WCW Columnist
Executive Director of The International School of Protocol Brussels
Based in the center of Europe in Brussels, I can tell you that the common position of international Relations in Europe engenders that the foundations of etiquette and protocol must be integrated into our daily lives. Conscious of diversity, we need to re-balance social, international and business relations, thus creating improvement and confidence at any position. Understanding cross-cultural management starts with awareness, but moves to a question of consciousness.
To communicate well at the global professional ground is key to success, and will impact on any future venture. Examine your environment carefully. We live in a global world where social and professional boundaries are often questioned. The current business and social environment is multicultural, multi-generational and multilingual. This context will push any professional to examine a new model of the way we communicate around the world.
Why study protocol, etiquette, and events organization and cross cultural communication?
Probably the biggest question on your mind is “Why would I want to study protocol, etiquette and cross-cultural communication and events organization?
What benefits can I hope to achieve?
Manners are prerequisite to good management. The “savoir-vivre” goes before organization, communication and leadership. Knowing who is in front of us, the culture base, the attitudes and background give us the possibility to present ourselves with confidence and influence. This process awards us a self-awareness of who we are and where we stand for.
Business Etiquette and Cross-Cultural Protocol is the blistering topic inside of an organization today. The job market today demands looks men and women who are cross-culturally astute in any given situation. Knowledge of protocol and etiquette or how to act and react is a talent that can be learned. A skill with big value; it bestows more than the power to go further in ambition and professional performance. It gives the practioner a dignity and grace, which makes them stand out from the crowd.
Brussels is not only the capital of Europe but also a city of many languages. Nowadays, learning languages it is not enough; we need to master cultural differences so that we are comfortable and fit in.
Business success in international markets is more than just being the greatest at home. It requires building bonds of understanding within and across distinct cultural environments. Cross-cultural communications therefore, is a central instrument for today’s official, manager or professional ready for worldwide opportunities.
Learning how to do business in Hong Kong, New York, Brussels, Angola or Argentina will sculpt a “ready for action” executive. To know how to eat at the table of the 195 countries around the globe is as important as knowing how to say “Good Morning” in the appropriate language. In essence, we mirror our organizations, nations, and cultures. What is more, we become touchstones and ambassadors. Therefore, we need to reflect the right fundamental values, adapting to the context, while maintaining our identity and culture.
Learning business etiquette, cross-cultural negotiations, global events organization, “savoir-faire” or table manners will endow you with fundamental strategies and approach to the world elastic professionals claim.
About the author:
Inês Blu Rodrigues is currently the Executive Director of The International School of Protocol Brussels, and CEO of Blustamp Consultancy.
