Until now, all of our intercultural training courses and seminars have taken place “live”. Thanks to Corona, we have now been able to try out a new format that we were previously rather reserved about: Virtual trainings and seminars via Skype or Zoom.
Virtual intercultural training – how did it work?
Arranging a virtual training course is no problem thanks to today’s technical possibilities. And the preparation only extends to the materials you want to use. So we sent out the presentations and case studies in advance so that the participant(s) had them to hand and we could conduct the intercultural training on that basis. No need to book rooms, travel and hotels – all this is eliminated (and saved). Multiple participants are also no problem, as the screen can be shared accordingly. However, I couldn’t help feeling that such an approach seemed a little abstract. Everyone sits in front of the screens, and although you can talk to each other, you don’t have the freedom of movement to convey the messages using more than just your voice and face.
Virtual intercultural training – limited options for action
In the past, I have worked a lot with flipcharts. In principle, this also works, as some systems even allow you to draw on the screen. However, in my opinion, this is not comparable to the “big version” on the flipchart and it is more tedious, especially if you are a rather less talented draughtsman like I am. I also like to get the participants moving by having them stand up or asking them to stand at the flipchart themselves. As this aspect is missing, there is also a lack of intensity in the way the training content is conveyed.
Virtual intercultural training – intensity to the power of two
Another experience is that virtual seminars are more intense because everyone is staring spellbound at the screen. Changing the seating position, for example, is rather difficult. If there are several participants, you can also “hide behind the group” for a while, which is not possible here, although of course this does not affect the seminar leader. There is a permanent dialog. It therefore makes a lot of sense to take frequent breaks and take a deep breath.
Virtual intercultural training – and where is the coffee?
Another advantage of the virtual version is that you can make yourself comfortable. There is no catering, but you can drink your favorite cappuccino and not a thin coffee from the office or hotel jug. Furthermore, a smart shirt is usually enough for men. It doesn’t matter if your legs are in ripped jeans and your feet are in flip-flops – nobody will see that.
Virtual intercultural training – a good example format
It is often the case that employees in Germany, Austria or Switzerland do not travel to distant countries at all, but only communicate with colleagues and customers in other countries by phone, email or Skype. This makes communication more difficult, as it is not possible to get to know each other properly, which is extremely important in many cultures. This is precisely when challenges arise that can be discussed in the same environment during virtual training sessions. In this way, good ideas or deficits can be worked out “live”.
Conclusion
Virtual intercultural training is a good opportunity to continue your education while working from home. At some point, the coronavirus nightmare will be over and then people will start traveling again. And virtual communication already existed before. I don’t believe that our world and our communication will become more electronic, as some contemporaries are predicting. Even if there are many advantages (costs, environmental impact, speed, etc.), as social beings we humans are still geared towards direct contact, which cannot be replaced by a screen. Remember in “Casino Royale” when Q explains to James Bond how he can use his computer to cause enormous damage and do all sorts of things and James Bond replies succinctly: “Yes, but at some point there has to be someone who pulls the trigger”.
Extensive range
Until it’s time to pull the trigger again, you can take advantage of our extensive range of virtual solutions:
– Intercultural competence through intercultural training and coaching on 112 countries and regions
– Personal coaching
– Team development
– Organizational development
– Leadership development
– Management trainee development
– Project management
– Agile project management
– Self-organization
– Change management and change processes
You can find out more on our website www.global-cultures.com
