Uniting Beyond Nations – please send on to those whose lives you touch

Naked Leader Week – 140 (w/c Monday 23 January 2006)

Uniting Beyond Nations – please send on to those whose lives you touch

(If everyone sends to just 3 people it will reach 100,000 people in over 200 countries)*

One of my goals for 2006 is to bring together everyone offering leadership services and support.  If your goal is to make a difference in the lives of others, in leadership of business, self, and life, e-mail me at theleadershipcircle@nakedleader.com – My promise to you is this – you will have a link from the new www.nakedleader.com, launching this year, and all I ask in return is a reciprocal link from your site.

I am very lucky to travel to so many countries and meet many amazing people – the difference in behaviours, customs and “rules” are amazing. This list is not exhaustive, and my advice is to find out the key things to do / not do in a particular country, rather than a complete list (If you do this you will spend your time standing still, too fearful to do anything).

My two biggest mistakes:

In Northern Ireland saying “I love coming here from the mainland”

And

In Japan putting someone’s business card in my pocket, and my trouser pocket at that

Leadership from a different perspective – Mary Bosrock

Navigating your way around the top ten international faux pas

 

1. Making assumptions “Where can I get a good cup of ‘French’ coffee?” Assuming things are the same as at home

 

2. Neglecting to develop relationships “Just sign the contract, I’m in a hurry!” Trying to do business before developing a relationship

 

3. Comparing the place you are visiting to your home

“Oh, it’s OK, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the Grand Canyon!”

4. Talking about money

“I could get this at home for half the price!”

5. Misinterpreting body language

Standing too close (or too far away)

Smiling (or not smiling)

Bowing (or not bowing)

Making eye contact (or not making eye contact)

Slouching

 

6. Doing improper things with your feet

Touching your feet or footwear

Showing the soles of your feet

Moving an object or pointing with your feet

7. Doing improper things with your hands

Touching someone

Shaking hands with a glove on or with your hand in your pocket

 

8. Wearing improper attire

Dressing sloppily or too informally

Dressing immodestly

 

9. Using names incorrectly

Neglecting to use a title (or using a lower title than is appropriate)

Mispronouncing a name

 

10. Neglecting to follow the appropriate dining and etiquette

Exhibiting improper table manners

Eating before the most senior person starts

Declining an offer of food or drink

http://www.marybosrock.com/fauxpas.htm

 

DT Postscript – On sounding the horn – while in the UK it is an affront, the equivalent to a personal insult, in Italy and other European countries it is considered a favour – a service to help you know you can move faster!

With love, belief and peace, and with over 200 countries now receiving this, I hope that none of those three offend anyone J

David

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