Working in China
We all know that it’s not easy to work in a culture that is quite different to one’s own. Acknowledging a few key cultural differences is vital. So how does one dismiss someone the Chinese way? Read the BBC article here to find out.
Here’s another tongue twister to try
Even I have a problem getting my tongue around this one!
“If Stu chews shoes, should Stu choose the shoes he chews?”
(“Stu” is the short form for “Stuart”.)
Sort, type or kind
How would you translate this sentence? “Welche Art von Filmen magst Du?”
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve used the words “sort”, “type” or “kind”. They can all be used interchangeably. So you can say:
What sort of films do you like?
What type of films do you like?
What kind of films do you like?
They’re all correct!
Are you making these mistakes?
Negotiating in your own language is tricky. But how on earth are you going to negotiate in a language that is not your own? Of course, it needs training.
What are the 10 most common mistakes that are often made? You’ll find them here (link to: mindtools.com). You’ll learn just how important it is to prepare, to build relationships, to listen, to know your ‘BATNA’ and so on … So now you’ll soon be ready to test these techniques in your next negotiation.
Business jargon
“To downsize” is business-speak. It’s another way of saying “to reduce the size of a workforce” or, in very plain English, “to fire people”. As I’ve said earlier, I would try and avoid jargon and business-speak in international business. Write to inform rather than to impress.
Just be good
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln
