Why do Indians keep saying all is fine, when they miss every milestone? Why do customers in Brazil want to meet you so often before any deal gets closed? Why is it so hard to motivate your people in Russia to be proactive? And why is everything in Saudi Arabia so chaotic?
When confronted with cultural differences, we blame the other party for being so different. And we are convinced that all problems would vanish if they would only behave as we do.
A successful intercultural manager needs, above all, to look in the mirror and try to understand how he is perceived by others. In addition, he needs a solid comprehension of how other cultures work, and a well-filled toolbox to communicate effectively. This practical book addresses all three aspects: reflection, understanding and communication. It puts all this practical advice in the context of the manager’s daily work: managing teams, managing performance, managing change, and carrying out negotiations.
Although built on a strong theoretical foundation, the book is written to be of practical help at the workplace: it contains 100 tips that the Western manager can apply in his daily work. The examples and cases are derived from the real-life experience of the author, and provide a valuable guide for communication when cultures meet.
Published in November 2014, this book deals with communication techniques in difficult situations, the basics of culture, and the application of these concepts in negotiations, team management, change and performance management. Written in Dutch, with a pre-word from Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips. This practical book contains 100 concrete tips that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
This book provides powerful communication and management tools that help you to navigatecultural differences. In a pleasant, sharp and light style, Frank provides the reader with all practical knowledge he needs for successful cross-cultural cooperation.
Ir. Camiel Eurlings
President and CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Managing through a Mirror provides an insightful and thought-provoking plan for communicating with colleagues across the world. Frank Garten illuminates the necessity of a journey of self-discovery first, and shows how to use that knowledge to work more effectively around the world.
Erin Meyer
Professor of Organizational Behavior at INSEAD
Offering a plethora of tips, this manual is extremely useful and highly recommended to professionals engaged in negotiations with representatives from other cultures.
Frans van Houten
President and CEO of Royal Philips
Managing others effectively across cultures requires a manager to look in the mirror, and find the tools in himself to deal with the problems that emerge. A well researched, and mainly practical book.
Mark Garrett
CEO Borealis
