Any business in 2021 operates internationally. We all recognize statements like: “The software team in India always tells us the project is on track. This is simply not true, there are delays. So they are not honest.” or “Americans are so superficial. They ask me “How are you doing?” but don’t expect an answer. Everything they say is ‘over the top’ and ‘fake’.” The pattern is obvious: we are ‘normal’ and they are the problem. A belief that will further polarize the discussion. Great communication is the only medicine: brutal honesty, deep questions, intense listening and building lasting relationships. 

In this thought-provoking and entertaining keynote, Frank Garten will:

Bring you an understanding of different cultures, while arguing that we don’t need more knowledge, but a different mindset.

Tell you how to build bridges between cultures and reach out to someone who pushes your defensive responses.

Teach you how to overcome thinking patterns such as ”I know better than you. So my way-of-working is the right one”.

It is a notorious open wound in many companies and organizations: inclusion and diversity. Why have we been struggling with this issue for the last 20 years and make so little progress? Because we externalize the issue. The majority looks for processes and procedures which – once implemented – will properly include the minority. The underlying pattern: the majority designs solutions while ignoring that they themselves form the problem. No leader ever admitted he wants to learn to be more inclusive. Harvard Business Review nailed it in 2017: “Leaders are not good judges of their own effectiveness on valuing diversity.” This keynote argues that only when we start to see ourselves as the source of the problem, a solution will start to emerge. 

In this fun and challenging keynote, speaker Frank Garten will:

Show you how the brain works, how this reduces our openness to differences and the 4 things you can do about it.

Discuss how we fool ourselves with data, one-sided stories and confirmation bias, without touching the real problem.

Help you develop the courage to reflect, speak up and make a change yourself.

We always hope that smart individuals and cross-cultural teams will communicate and cooperate smoothly. The reality is often different. The comfort zone of the silent minority is to listen and interpret, while the loud majority loves to speak and to assert. Opinionated engineers and experienced managers state their truths. On the receiving end of the message, brains go into defense to protect their comfort and safety. Defensive responses in the workplace should not derail conversations, but rather give a spark to curious debate and passionate discovery. This workshop hands you tools to avoid and overcome defensive responses, such that communication and collaboration improve and work actually becomes… fun! 

In this effective and enjoyable keynote, Frank Garten will:

Explain to you how our comfort zone works and why it is safer for us to be less courageous and visible in the office.

Tell you how the brain works. A fascinating guide on defensive, neurochemical processes that hijack our brain, and how to get them back under control.

Show you very practical tips for how we can ensure that we are not driven by our elementary brain, but by our rational and creative selves: innovating, discovering, and creating opportunity.

We all say we love collaborative negotiation, and that we always go for win-win. That’s what we say. But it is not in line with how the human brain works. Our beautiful intentions for win-win evaporate when the first verbal bombardments start, and our defensive responses make us much less rational and objective than we are ready to admit. Add an international context and time pressure into the equation, and you’ve got the perfect battleground. In this context, the best negotiators are not the fearless warriors you would imagine them to be. At the international negotiation table, smart and tactful moves bring you further, and building up true connections with your counterparts is key. This lecture or workshop deals with all aspects of intercultural negotiation: the different cultures, preparation of a negotiation, opening bids and countering strategies, the dirty tricks of negotiation and the different influencing styles you’ll need to master to be effective.

In this sharp and fun keynote, Frank Garten will:

Explain how the brain works and how win-win strategies are not our default mode of operation

How defensive responses come up, and how to overcome these

Show funny and real-life examples of cultural barriers at the negotiation table

Discuss the various 'dirty tactics' and what you can do when these are used by the other side of the table

Explore different influencing styles, and how these can help you connect with different people