Intercultural communication in German-Japanese teams

In a mixed team, all team members work according to implicit rules that nobody talks about, because they seem self-evident. This concerns decision-making processes, roles, the distribution of tasks and communication.

Misunderstandings can quickly lead to processes no longer working and to mistrust arising. The seminar makes these rules the subject, not as area studies, but in terms of the cooperation that is currently taking place. It provides a setting for open exchange and shared learning.

How it works

Two days of seminar, with the entire team, in mixed composition. Everyone involved is present and can contribute their perspectives. At the end there are written agreements which the team has agreed on.

Half a day after three months. Do the agreements hold up in everyday work? Where are they a hindrance, where is something missing?

Content

• Decision-making processes
• Values and expectations in working together
• Criticism and feedback
• Indirect and direct communication
• Cultural conditioning
• Agreements for day-to-day cooperation

Format

For groups of six to eighteen people. In person, online or hybrid. In German, English or Japanese. I work directly in the participants' language, without interpreters. Billed at my daily and half-day rates, see Costs.

Experience

I studied Japanese Studies at the University of Bonn, lived and worked in Japan for six years and taught two mediation programmes as a guest lecturer at Osaka University. I am a listed mediator at the Japan International Mediation Center in Kyoto.

More about my work between Germany and Japan on the Japan Desk page.