Expatriates moving to France face the challenge of working with people whose ways of thinking and behaving are significantly different. In many cases, the difficulties they encounter are compounded by the need to communicate through a new language. These cultural obstacles inevitably affect the expatriates' ability to perform effectively, and ultimately their chances of succeeding in their new role.

Our Executive Cross-Cultural Coaching Package is designed to give you guidance and support during the cultural adaptation process. It provides a flexible framework for you to learn about and adjust to your host culture, together with practical mentoring as you devise and implement action plans to meet your professional goals.

The standard executive coaching package includes:

• a needs assessment consisting of a written questionnaire and face-to-face consultation to determine your strengths as well as areas for development
• eight person-to-person sessions of 2 hours each at weekly or fortnightly intervals
• two follow-up person-to-person sessions of 2 hours each at intervals of 3 and 6 months
• learning materials and practical exercises to do between meetings
• e-mail and telephone support for the duration of the programme

Coaching Topics

While coaching sessions are tailored to individual needs, many of the following items are typically covered in the executive programmes:

• Recognizing and coping with culture shock
• Developing cultural self-awareness: understand how culture influences your own behaviour, expectations and communication style
• Leading and managing an international team
• Communicating across cultures and languages
• Presenting to a French audience
• Chairing meetings
• Negotiating with the French
• Giving and soliciting feedback
• French business and social etiquette

What you can expect from your coach

• Complete confidentially
• Supportiveness, patience and understanding
• Constructive and honest feedback
• Resourcefulness in problem-solving
• Help in expanding your range of choices

Coaching sessions are held at your place of work and are spaced to allow for on-the-job application of new skills and strategies.

If you would like to learn more about our coaching programmes, please call us on +33 (0)1 69 06 38 57 or send us an e-mail.