Close Encounters of a Cultural Kind: Lessons for business, negotiation and friendship

Description

Richard Lewis - world famous lecturer on intercultural issues and best-selling author of WHEN CULTURES COLLIDE - has collected 50 unique, critical cross-cultural incidents during his encounters in 135 countries around the globe. Some of these anecdotes are humorous, some are poignant, some are mysterious - all are insightful snapshots of the complex tapestry of cross-cultural business. If you're dining with a Finn, negotiating with the Japanese or attempting to climb a mountain with a team of diffident Italians, you need this book. "Historically, 'cultural encounters' have often created wars and split people. In this precious little gem of a book, Richard shows how beautifully cultural barriers can be overcome when people meet face-to-face. How we, despite different outlooks, can build bridges across cultural gaps with mindful, respectful and humorous approaches. The stories, told in a vibrant and captivating voice, ranging from thought provoking and insightful to adventurous and hilarious, are a delightful read. The charming characters of broad cultural variety bring the whole world into your hands, making hearts bond over a jolly good laugh. And frankly, - what can be better?" Marit Imeland Gjesme, Founder of CultureCatch , intercultural training consultancy

Richard Lewis is the chairman of Richard Lewis Communications, an international institute of cross-cultural and language training with offices in over 30 countries. He founded the quartely magazine Cross Culture and is heavily involved in the intercultural field, lecturing in countries from Finland to Hong Kong and working with companies as diverse as Fiat, IBM, Nokia, Andersen Consulting and Nestle. He lives near Winchester, and is one of Britain's foremost linguists, speaking 12 languages - and spent 5 years in Japan, where he was tutor to the Imperial Family.