Culture Crossing

Discover the Key to Making Successful Connections in the New Global Era

By: Michael Landers

Narrated by: Tom Dheere

In an era when people and money are flowing fast across international boundaries, physically and virtually, culture crashes have become increasingly frequent, says international business consultant Michael Landers. A culture crash is what happens when someone unwittingly offends, frustrates or mystifies a person from a different culture. This can lead to lost business, hurt feelings, damaged relationships, even international incidents, as when Bill Gates shook his South Korean host's hand with one hand when he was supposed to use two (very disrespectful).

So are culture crashes inevitable? No! All cultures fall into certain broad categories, and if you can figure out what kind of culture you're dealing with you can avoid committing a major faux pas. Landers first helps you become aware of your own culturally conditioned behaviors, perceptions and values, which seem so "normal" you don't even notice them (kind of like thinking you're not the one with an accent). Then he shows you how to figure out where a culture lies along continuums like individualistic vs. collectivist, direct vs. indirect, punctual vs. relaxed, and formal vs. informal. Filled with dozens of instructive and entertaining stories, this book will point you in the right direction as you navigate through the new global era.

©2017 Michael Landers (P)2017 Michael Landers

First timers overseas need to buy and read this

I took back one star because it took the entire first hour before the book got down to business. It doesn't need that long to convince anyone who's already bought the book that the contents are important.

Once the examples and anecdotes started, it settled down into a good listen. This isn't a How To guide for each country, though there are excellent examples and insights. It's more of an overview of things like Me vs We cultures so the reader has an awareness of cultural boobytraps, generalities, and the need for research before you step into a deep hole from sheer ignorance.

I wish the briefings we used to get before changing duty stations had been this interesting. Anyone handling international business, foreign exchange students, refugees, or heading out on their first TDY or PCS OCONUS should grab a copy. Well worth the time.

Good, but...

Good nuggets in here but the author never specifies what he means by "American culture." Defining that early on would have made for a better book.

Excellent and very resourceful

What made the experience of listening to Culture Crossing the most enjoyable?

The content mixed with the great narration made for a fascinating, resourceful listen.

Any additional comments?

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost."