No Such Thing As Small Talk: 7 Keys to Understanding German Business January 26, 2011

In many parts of the world, small talk is one of the key elements to forming and sustaining relationships. Melissa Lamson will share with us how this differs across cultures and particularly how Americans and Germans view and practice small talk in a business context. Come hear excerpts from her book, participate in a lively discussion, and take-away key learnings for your global business environment.

Many business leaders, when they begin to work overseas or interact professionally with teams abroad, are surprised by how much they thought they knew about the other culture, but how little it counts for on the ground. The reality is that communication is multi-dimensional, and simply knowing a foreign language doesn't mean one automatically understands the culture that goes with it. Idiom, psychological factors and cultural nuance all come into play. To grasp a culture, and communicate meaningfully to it, you need familiarity with language, of course, but also with non-verbal communication, customs, perceived values, and concepts of time and space.

Melissa Lamson, with years of experience in creating and nurturing high-performing global teams, understands how "It's not enough to know the language!"

Come and mingle with the international GABA community - small talk allowed!
Agenda:
6:00 - 6:30 pm Registration/Networking
7:00 - 8:00 pm Program
8:00 - 8:30 pm Networking

Complimentary snacks and soft drinks will be served.

Official Website: http://www.gaba-network.org