Cultural Chemistry: Simple Strategies for Bridging Cultural Gaps

Book excerpt: Are you fascinated but frustrated by cultural differences? Have you stood on the edge of cultural gaps and wondered how on earth to bridge them? Don't worry, you are not alone. Working across cultures can be very challenging, both professionally and personally, but these cultural gaps can be bridged. Cultural Chemistry combines strategy with knowledge, introducing you firstly to the Four R's - an easy, four-step process for simplifying and improving your cross-cultural partnerships - and then exploring cultural differences, by meeting people and hearing stories from all over the world. Whether you are a business traveller, an expatriate, have global clients, work in a multi-cultural team or are simply a holiday maker who wants to dig deeper, Cultural Chemistry will teach you; Why reflecting on our own culture is so important How to make a great first impression Why our assumptions about people are often completely wrong Why what we say isn't always what is heard How to be an effective manager and motivator, whatever the culture Cultural differences don't have to be difficult. By learning more about cultural variances and being prepared to turn off our cultural cruise-control, we really can make our international encounters both more rewarding and more enjoyable. About the Author: Originally from the UK, Patti McCarthy is a 3CK (third-culture kid) who has lived and worked on five different continents. Through her business, Cultural Chemistry, she provides coaching and training to organisations wishing to embrace the opportunities which cultural diversity provides. She is also a regular media commentator and public speaker on the impact of cultural differences on everything from business expansion to childcare. She lives with her husband, her two dogs and her three children, who were all born in different countries."