Great list from Trainer Bubble!

I’ve done leadership training in PRC and Singapore, as well as mixed global groups in the U.S.. I’ll add a few to the list:

1.Use “global” English
2.Slow down
3.Send the material in advance (so they can translate, or take the extra time to read)
4.For participation, use small groups
5.take the time to learn how to say “welcome”, or “hello” in each language. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – it’s a sign of respect that you at least tried
6.Be aware of jet lag. A 12 hour time zone difference is brutal, so expect to see some droopy eyes. Take frequent breaks.

http://greatleadershipbydan.blogspot.com/

quote:

Originally posted by Goose:
I'm delivering sales software training soon for a number of attendees coming to the US from several Asian countries - Singapore, China, South Korea, and Japan. Most of these people have a good amount of exposure to western culture and work with counterparts in the US and Europe.

I don't have time to learn the business etiquette for each country; are there some basic/general rules to follow? Let's say a top 5 do's and don'ts when leading training for "Asian" attendees?

For example:

• Introductions
  
• Business card giving/receiving
  
• Calling on attendees to participate
  
• Asking students to demonstrate procedures in front of the class
  
• Group activities
  
• Awarding prizes for participation
  

Thanks!

Goose, for the South Koreans, whenever you hand them something or take something from them take the non receiving hand (left) and put the fingers at the base of the elbow. Also, South Koreans have real sleepy looking eyes around 3pm...

Some good tips already. I live in Malaysia. Down here I try to be a bit like them:

1) Avoid being the loud American, unless it's part of a story or example, etc. People are more 'reserved' here.

2) Consider calling people Mr / Ms if they are in their 30's+

3) Avoid calling on them directly. What I do is say, "Hwee Beng and Lee Lee, I'm going to ask you your advise to handle tough customers after I share with the class some tips. Get ready." You give them some time to think.

4) Prizes. Definately. Asians are super competitive and their school systems are cut-throat. They love these.

5) Run role plays late in the day after you have build rapport. day 1 is always tough. Day 2+ will show them coming around.

6) Admit mistakes you have done. If possibl,e make it humourous.

7)Talk with them at tea breaks. They will tell you a lot that they won't tell you in class.

8) Go over key vocab in your lecture before you start. This helps them follow along because be damn well sure they won't tell you they don't know something.

9) Bowing. North Asians maybe, south Asians don't do this. Biz cards, take it with care and study it. Then put it in your wallet or purse. Not your shirt or pants pocket.

9) Don't be surprised if you are met with blank expressions if you ask them, "what do you think?" They are good at implementing but not so good at changing or creating things.