I recently got promoted to study team manager, which was great however it meant I had to facilitate global team meetings twice a month. The first few meetings were very difficult for me. I found my staff would often be nervous and hesitant about speaking, meetings often didn’t finish on time and the global meeting members were sometimes difficult to control and of course the meetings were all in English. I started to lose sleep over these sessions. Luckily I was able to participate in the Teleconference training program. The course was structured so I had a lot of opportunity for real-time practice and constructive feedback. The instructor was very supportive and gave really good advice. I now have much more confidence when facilitating, while its still difficult I can usually cover all points on the agenda and still finish on time, which has definitely improved relations with my global team members.
(S. Kawaguchi, Study Team Manager at leading pharmaceutical company)
I was asked to give a presentation in English at a European convention. Although I speak English well, this was the first time I had to give a presentation in English. I took the presentations skills course and it was a real eye opener. I learnt the difference in style between a functional Japanese presentation and a western style presentation. I also learnt how to effectively use slides, which had always been my weakness. The presentation was a success and I was able to enjoy my trip to Europe.
(K. Nakano, Corporate Responsibility Manager at leading pharmaceutical company)
Recently my company outsourced its Data Management division to an overseas Asian firm. Unfortunately there were many problems such as language difficulties and business culture clashes. I decided to take the 'Cross-Cultural Communication' training course. It was a great help not only did it teach me how to control difficult conversations but helped me appreciate our cultural differences. Before the course my way of thinking was my way or no way however I have learnt how to accept cultural differences and understand their way of doing things better. This has started to create a more team orientated "Our Way" situation. There are still problems but the course has definitely given me more confidence and skills in dealing with these issues.
A. Shirai (Manager from Monitoring Division at Global Pharmaceutical Company)