How Real is Culture Shock?
Rather than point you in the direction of academics like Bruce La Brack, David Pollock, Ruth Van Reken, Lynne Mitchell or the reputed training programs given by the Peace Corps, I will try to answer the question “Is culture shock real?” based on my own experience and reading. Everyday people leave one place to go […]
Stop Robotic Speaking – Try This Trick
Let’s take a moment to compare the vowel sounds of Indian languages vs. American English. Indian Languages: Have symbols representing short and long vowels in written word The symbol [typically] always represents the same sound We know if the vowel sound is long or short both in written and spoken language If a […]
Happy 5th Birthday Authentic Journeys Facebook Page
Happy 5th Birthday Authentic Journeys (on Facebook)! It’s hard to believe, but five years have passed since Authentic Journeys made its appearance on the Internet. It’s debut on Facebook was on April 1, 2009. While the Facebook page started on April 1, 2009, the blog started in early 2010. To commemorate five years, let’s take […]
Engaging Employees and International Clientele: A Conversation with Cabot Solutions
Venkatesh Thyagarajan is the dynamic and personable CEO of Cabot Solutions, with offices in Infopark and Thevara (in Kochi). I have known the Cabot Solutions team for a year. They always impress me with their forward thinking and new ideas. Jennifer: Venkatesh, good day. Thank you for your time today to participate in this interview. […]
Malayalee By Choice – Foreigners at Home In Kerala
Being a foreigner in some countries makes you an instant celebrity. Everyone knows who you are. People greet you on the street. Many, many people. Some you know, some others are complete strangers. It’s done out of curiosity and friendliness, though at times it can either be flattering or overwhelming. It’s not easy to blend […]
The Real Litmus Test: The Litmus7 Story
Venu Gopalakrishnan was one of the first entrepreneurs and start-up founders I met after coming to Kochi. His journey to entrepreneurship left a lasting impression on me. Today, I would like to introduce you to Venu and his company, Litmus7, located in Infopark, Kerala, India. Jennifer: Good day, Venu. Thank you for taking the time […]
Ways to Avoid Extending Meeting Times
Do you ever feel that you’re running against time because meetings get extended without warning? Or, are clients requesting meeting extensions while you are confident that the messages have been communicated? Recently, a participant in a training session shared with me that the US counterparts are extending meetings without asking for permission. After sharing that, […]
An Easy Way to Say NO to US Clients
Negotiating deadlines, how to say no politely to not totally end communication with US counterparts is an art. This is one of the hot topics that arises in all management seminars I facilitate. For many Indian professionals, a flat-out NO can feel uncomfortable, disrespectful, or even relationship-ending. Yet, with US counterparts, a vague or […]
Conversation Tips in Negotiations
Were you recently taken by surprise in what was considered a routine standup meeting to be asked to change the course of what you were working on? Were you asked to do something that you felt was not so easy to do, not good for the long term outcome of the product or something you […]
How to Change Behavior When Adapting to A New Culture
If you are wondering how to change behavior when adapting to a new culture, creating a culture shock relief plan is only a part of the solution to some aspects of culture shock. When we adapt to new cultures, we are challenged to adapt new thoughts and behaviors. It can be, and often is, quite […]
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