Successful Meetings - October 2009 - (Page 13)

PLANNER’S WORKSHOP incentive insights 9 ways to break down cultural barriers to recognition Breaking Barriers By Roy Saunderson H ow can you give meaningful recognition to people in different countries? Break down cultural barriers with these tips. hear an old saying: “To not shout loudly is enough praise.” Be courteous. Hold the door open for people and say the customary greetings. Show common courtesies even if they are not shown to you. Be prepared for recognition that’s different from what you are used to. People in Switzerland and Germany rap their knuckles on desks to express appreciation. Others may applaud. And some prefer to shake hands and share a comment or two with the lecturer. Smile warmly. It speaks volumes in any language. Watch the non-verbal language you display and try not to show it if you feel uncomfortable. OR EARN UP TO A MILLION POINTS. YOU WIN. Make eye contact—where it is culturally appropriate. Look someone in the eyes when acknowledging their great work or saying thank you to them. Learn how to say “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” in the language of the country you are visiting. It is the respectful thing to do. Speak more slowly. People appreciate it if you don’t speak too fast in English and slowing down a bit will enhance comprehension overseas. For more offer details, visitwww.intercontinental.com/ successfulmeetings Allow universal principles to overcome moderate cultural norms. Don’t worry too much about qualities in other countries that negatively impact giving recognition. Demonstrate how it can be done the right way for the right reasons. Apologize for not speaking the local language. Acknowledge your inability to speak their language and thank attendees for their patience. In most cases, you will receive nods of respect. SM Understand stronger cultural norms and be mindful of them. In Switzerland and Germany for example, you will Roy Saunderson is the author of Giving the Real Recognition Way and president of the Recognition Management Institute (RealRecognition.com). He can be reached at roysaunderson@realrecognition.com Terms and Conditions : Meeting must be booked by December 31, 2009 and meeting and room nights consumed by December 31, 2010 at an InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. Minimum room night restrictions apply. Subject to availability. For full details and complete terms and conditions, visit www.intercontinental.com/ successfulmeetings. ©2009 InterContinental Hotels Group. All rights reserved. SuccessfulMeetings.com I October 2009 I SM I 13 http://www.intercontinental.com/successfulmeetings http://www.intercontinental.com/successfulmeetings http://www.intercontinental.com/successfulmeetings http://www.RealRecognition.com http://www.intercontinental.com/successfulmeetings http://www.SuccessfulMeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - October 2009

Successful Meetings - October 2009
Contents
Editor's Letter
Tackling H1N1
Management Matters
Incentive Insights
The Big Time
Green in More Ways Than One
Not Another Whitewash
Place + Spaces
Austin
New Orleans
Reno/Lake Tahoe
San Jose
Colorado
Mexico

Successful Meetings - October 2009