Executive Travel
Executive travel can be a very rewarding opportunity, not only because it is an opportunity to do something different than the usual 9-5, but also because the businessman on assignment may be the driving force in the decision to either accept or reject a company's offer. Because of the importance of the assignment, the person who is traveling needs to be especially prepared, both for the presentations that will be made as well as to understand the business practices of other cultures, should the person be traveling to a foreign country, or even a different part of the country in which they live. Employees should consider being asked to travel on behalf of the company as an honor, and therefore continue to work "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" even when they are away from the office (Colossians 3:23).
There are many aspects of one's job to think about when they are traveling for business. For example, most business people know that presentation is crucial in any business deal. Therefore, when completing executive travel on assignment to other countries and cultures, it is necessary to understand how one is expected to dress and appear in a business meeting. Some cultures expect meetings to be very formal with a suit and tie being the only acceptable form of dress. Other cultures may prefer doing business in a more laid back setting where casual clothing, even beachwear, would be suitable for a business meeting.
In addition to the presentation, both spoken and body language are important in relaying the information to the potential client. Often, a few key phrases are all that may be necessary to complete a business transaction. By taking the time to learn a language, an executive can show the willingness to further understand and become involved with the culture and environment of the country. Hand gestures may not seem to be very important to some, but in a foreign country for business, hand movements can say much about a person. The customary wave or thumbs up in the United States can be taken as offensive in other cultures. Gestures of greeting must be understood as well. Handshakes, hugs, kisses, and bows are only a few of the many ways greetings can be offered in different countries. It is necessary to understand how and when to greet business acquaintances during executive travel in other countries.
Time is another key issue for people traveling on business to understand. The obvious first step is to make the effort to learn the time zone and timing of meetings. Time change, or jet lag, can put a physical strain on the human body, especially if the destination for executive travel is several hours away. It may be necessary to arrive early in order to recover from the change. Also, it is essential to understand when to arrive to a meeting. Some cultures prefer early arrivals, some want exact timing, and others have no desire for the meetings to start on time. Overall, traveling to a foreign country on business is a gratifying experience. There are many opportunities to develop relationships and skills by learning from professionals in other nations. The businessman can make the most of the experience by studying and understanding the culture and business practices in order to succeed in the new environment.
There are many aspects of one's job to think about when they are traveling for business. For example, most business people know that presentation is crucial in any business deal. Therefore, when completing executive travel on assignment to other countries and cultures, it is necessary to understand how one is expected to dress and appear in a business meeting. Some cultures expect meetings to be very formal with a suit and tie being the only acceptable form of dress. Other cultures may prefer doing business in a more laid back setting where casual clothing, even beachwear, would be suitable for a business meeting.
In addition to the presentation, both spoken and body language are important in relaying the information to the potential client. Often, a few key phrases are all that may be necessary to complete a business transaction. By taking the time to learn a language, an executive can show the willingness to further understand and become involved with the culture and environment of the country. Hand gestures may not seem to be very important to some, but in a foreign country for business, hand movements can say much about a person. The customary wave or thumbs up in the United States can be taken as offensive in other cultures. Gestures of greeting must be understood as well. Handshakes, hugs, kisses, and bows are only a few of the many ways greetings can be offered in different countries. It is necessary to understand how and when to greet business acquaintances during executive travel in other countries.
Time is another key issue for people traveling on business to understand. The obvious first step is to make the effort to learn the time zone and timing of meetings. Time change, or jet lag, can put a physical strain on the human body, especially if the destination for executive travel is several hours away. It may be necessary to arrive early in order to recover from the change. Also, it is essential to understand when to arrive to a meeting. Some cultures prefer early arrivals, some want exact timing, and others have no desire for the meetings to start on time. Overall, traveling to a foreign country on business is a gratifying experience. There are many opportunities to develop relationships and skills by learning from professionals in other nations. The businessman can make the most of the experience by studying and understanding the culture and business practices in order to succeed in the new environment.
Executive Travel
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Reviewed by Anonymous
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