Free Resources

Encouraging participation — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 9

Not everyone feels comfortable speaking up in a meeting…And when cultural and language differences are added in, the situation becomes even more complicated....

Keeping a positive atmosphere in the meeting — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 8

Meetings can be the site for a variety of nonproductive, dysfunctional behaviors, such as cutting someone off, being argumentative, or making negative comments. If positive action is not taken...

Role of the timekeeper — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 7

Identifying leader makes for more effective meetings — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 6

A meeting leader’s role is to ensure that the discussion stays on track, that everyone participates, and that the outcome of the meeting is clarified...

Setting the meeting agenda — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 4

An agenda clarifies the topic of the meeting, both broadly and specific points…Once an agenda has been created, the key thing is to actually use it during the meeting. ...

Deciding who should attend the meeting (who should be invited) — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 3

Businesspeople today are typically busy and the time that is taken up by attending a meeting could be used for other activities…it’s important to invite people based on their ability...

Clarifying the purpose of a meeting (why have a meeting?) — Cross-Cultural Meetings Part 2

A meeting is called, but the objective of the meeting is not specified. This leads to wasted time and frustration…think about whether a meeting is the best way to...

Nemawashi or Debate? — Cross-Cultural Meetings Part 1

For western countries, meetings are for resolving conflicts, reaching group decisions, and problem solving…In contrast, the Japanese view meetings as a place to confirm things that have already been decided,...