Frequently Asked Questions About Highroad Global Services

1. what exactly is cross-cultural consulting?

Our global excellence programs provide you with the new set of skills to thrive in the international market. We look at the global vision you have for your organization and help you to define and achieve that goal.

We enable you to be proactive with the three strategies you need to improve your cross-border work processes and retain talent:

• Build and maintain relationships with international partners

• Create established work procedures that take cultural differences into account

• Create a culture of proactive global learning to ensure consistent results

Our solutions may take many varied forms from training to cultural readiness plans to increasing performance on global virtual teams.

In a training program we might explore some of the barriers keeping your global workforce from excellence. For example, how do various cultures view time and schedules? How do they negotiate? How do they view favoritism, nepotism and social relationships? How do they view risk? What role does "the boss" play across borders? We then provide strategies to overcome these challenges.

Other points examined might include communication style differences, meeting protocols, signing contracts, multicultural team dynamics and culturally effective performance management. We work with you to .

2. Why should my organization spend money on a soft skill like cross-cultural competency?

The answer is simple: Global diversity is good business. Here are some studies that provide the specifics:

• A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers survey of chief executives found that 71 percent expected to do business in China, India, Brazil or Russia over the next three years.

• A 2006 study by Accenture based on a survey of 200 U.S. business executives concluded that cross-cultural communication presents the main challenge to global sourcing's full potential for the foreseeable future. The same study found that cross-cultural communication training can increase productivity by up to 30%.

• A study by the founder of Let's Bridge IT, an offshore consulting company, found that unaddressed cultural issues can add up to 27% additional cost onto a project due to failed cooperation and delayed rollout.

• A 2007 study by Transnational Management Associates the continuous process of relating, even virtually, can reduce failed projects significantly by creating cohesion and transparency in global teams.

• Data collected in The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity survey has proved that "the better the diversity management in the four areas measured - human capital, CEO commitment, corporate communications and supplier diversity - the higher its rate of unbiased employee retention among all groups."

Successful decision makers also recognize the importance of maximizing potential from all of their employees. They take the time to learn what motivates people of varied cultures and how to develop their talent. This reduces attrition and brings the organization into global excellence.

3. How do you begin working with a client?

We design our programs based on a discovery and inquiry into your goals. This takes place through a free consultation for qualified decision makers.

If we decide that we are a good match, we would solidify the goals and outcomes you want to see, as well as how we will measure that success.

Highroad Global Services then designs strategies, trainings, plans or whatever is needed to meet those goals and take your organization to global excellence. We build a relationship with you and partner with you to help you soar.

The design process is as simple or complex as you need it to be. Contact us for an initial apppointment.

4. do you teach cultural etiquette and protocols?

Yes. Though we believe there is much more to culture than etiquette and protocols, we recognize the importance of demonstrating goodwill through this knowledge. We offer workshops that give you the whole picture of your destination country including a brief history, country background, cultural values, communication styles, and protocols and customs. We give you the tools you need to succeed abroad.

5. do you teach people of other cultures how to work with Americans?

Yes. With every client, no matter what the need, we consider the points of view and values of all cultures involved, including U.S. Americans if they are present. We also, however, offer consultation and workshops  on U.S culture focused on living, working or both to international staff. We conduct these workshops with groups, individuals or families.

6. What sets HighRoad Global Services apart from similar organizations?

This important question is answered in detail in the “How We Work” section of this website. Click here to learn why Highroad Global Services, Inc. stands out for award winning quality.

Do you have more questions? Call us at 770-936-9209 and ask for Vicki Flier Hudson. Do you want to learn more about our services? Click here.