Exceptionality - Culture Coaching

“Sue provided real value to a group that depends upon being able to quickly connect with clients and business associates. Her talk on dealing with different personalities was a perfect complement to the mission of the organization and gave attendees insights into their own behavior and how to adjust to communicate with ease.”

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Sheila Dixon
Founder & President
WBIS

I unlock the values that create extraordinary personal and professional value

Culture Coaching

CULTURE SHOCK

Entering American culture to work or study can be a shock like no other. Seasoned visitors and established immigrants all have their own stories of how displaced and confused they felt by the American way of interacting socially and doing business. Some stories are humorous; others, painful!

Knowing the language is not enough! Even those who speak impeccable English are stunned by the informality of interactions. American culture seems confusingly casual to new arrivals. The truth is Americans do have social expectations, but they are buried within a behavioral informality that is impossible to decode without assistance. Adding to the confusion are regional and class differences in manners and communication styles.

To whom can visitors turn? Asking one’s American hosts about the specifics and nuances of social exchanges can be embarrassing. You don’t want to spend all your time worrying about being perceived as offensive!

LET SUE HELP YOU

Sue can act as a “culture coach,” a trusted, confidential advisor who will help you negotiate the baffling complications of American behavior. What seems astonishingly rude to visitors from other countries might be seen as polite inquiry in the US. Wouldn’t you like someone you can trust who will not be offended by any question you might ask, no matter what the subject?

For instance:

• How do I introduce myself to someone if I have not been formally introduced? What do I say?

• I see Americans hugging and kissing each other when they arrive for meetings! Am I expected to do this? Isn’t a handshake enough?

• How do I apologize for being unable to pronounce someone’s name?

• I’ve been invited to a sporting event by my employer. What do I wear? Is this considered a business occasion? How do I act? What do we talk about?

• I have to give a presentation and I’m concerned about how I will be perceived. Can you listen or watch me and help me so that I am viewed favorably?

• I was told it is best not to ever talk about abortion. Why is there such disagreement about it in this country?

• Why is religion such a sensitive topic here? Why do some want to discuss it freely and expansively and others go silent? Why is this or that religion considered favorably or unfavorably?

• How should I dress for an interview? For a business meeting? For a presentation? For a convention? What must I wear to be considered properly dressed for the people I’ll be with? Where can I get help with looking just right? What table manners should I employ?

HOW IT WORKS

Sue can work with individuals or groups, in person or by various technologies (email, Skype, texting, instant messaging, etc.). She can conduct courses in American business etiquette, values, cultures, and language nuances such as slang or regional accents. She can make a classroom come alive with invigorating discussion on American character strengths and weaknesses, the history behind why Americans think or behave as they do, and what Americans may be thinking about you. She can shadow you in person if you’d feel most comfortable knowing she’s immediately available, go with you to important meetings or events to help you manage your concerns, coach you through presentations, take you clothes shopping and help you groom yourself appropriately. Almost anything is possible!

Allow Sue to be the American who will take any question without becoming offended because she wants to help you, you guests, or your students enjoy a successful, productive visit!

Call or email her to discuss your particular needs!