Client Feedback / Outcomes of IAIA Work
IAIA clients typically report, some time after receiving our services, that they take what they learn and apply it immediately, with positive results. IAIA support seems to have a ripple effect, impacting larger circles of people.
Before our work |
After our work |
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| (Israeli manager) “I always thought this cross cultural stuff wasn't relevant to us. After all, Israelis and Americans are very similar, and we’ve been working together for years. That changed the first time I was in a conference call with Israel after I relocated to our US plant. I saw the Americans’ reaction to the Israelis. I knew the guys in Israel. I knew their intentions, and for the first time I saw the impact of how they said things. It was a disaster - nothing made sense, nothing sounded right. The Americans held back, became defensive - nothing was accomplished. I felt as if everything was lost; there was no way we were going to meet our goals." | (US manager) “The overwhelming response regarding your workshop has been very positive. Everyone who attended learned much about the cultural differences and how to deal with them. I have noticed an impact. Misunderstandings are now more quickly attributed to cultural rather than personal differences. People are openly discussing the cultural perspectives, and even joking about them. This is all good. From my perspective, I think the one thing that continues to resonate is the concept of ‘assuming positive intent’. I use it as a first guiding principle, and encourage others to do the same. I believe it helps me, and hopefully others.” |
Client comments following IAIA coaching
Israeli manager working in a Fortune 500 company in the US
“I have been working with the Americans for a long time-I didn't think I needed this kind of coaching. I was preparing to begin work with my new US team – I had set up appointments with each of my subordinates at all levels of the (org.) chart. I am so grateful HR made me take this coaching session because I understood that my approach was mistaken, and I was going to do irreversible damage”
Israeli CEO at a startup launching operations in the US
“My first task was to hire a CFO. I knew what I was looking for but the interviews weren't going well. I couldn'tput my finger on it-but the applicants were withdrawn during the interviews. Those we wanted refused our job offers. After working with IAIA I learned that my interview questions were inappropriate in for the US workplace – I was asking about personal lives, I was too direct when I asked about weaknesses, and too challenging when they answered. Not only did I come off as someone they didn't want to work with - I was actually opening myself to a lawsuit.”
Israeli Venture Capital Analyst
“I felt I needed this coaching since I work with Americans as part of a US firm and would like to work with Americans in my next job. I had five sessions with IAIA. We talked about strategy and American culture, what they say and what they mean--all details, even the small ones. The last session was actual practice, with suggestions and encouragement. I arrived to a critical meeting with Americans feeling confident, and in spite of an expected change in the situation I was able to maintain my focus on objectives and goals, with good feedback from the Americans. I strongly recommend IAIA coaching, since I feel that I achieved my goal.”
Israeli owner and manager of a global destination services company
“I routinely need to partner with many US sources, and wanted coaching from IAIA to ensure that my communications to Americans will be understood as intended, and would successfully forward my business goals. IAIA presented to me basic underlying concepts in the US communication style, with key differences from Israeli modes – especially where breakdowns or misunderstandings typically occur. Through feedback on actual business e-mails, IAIA identified the specific elements where I need to make sure I express myself appropriately for US expectations and norms. The coaching was clear, very relevant to my needs, and allowed me to learn, improve and internalize a new way of communicating to US business colleagues. I gained new skills that I feel will permanently help me to be successful as an Israeli doing business within the US environment.”
Client comments following IAIA training
Senior Manager in US company that works with both US and Israeli military Industries
“The overwhelming response regarding your workshop has been very positive. Everyone who attended learned much about the cultural differences and how to deal with them. I have noticed an impact. Misunderstandings are now more quickly attributed to cultural rather than personal differences. People are openly discussing the cultural perspectives and even joking about it. This is all good.”
US Executive Administrative Assistant who was working for several years with the company’s top managers, who are Israelis
“The workshop made a huge difference in my life; it impacted the way I act and see things- all of a sudden I UNDERSTAND what is going on, and it makes life a whole lot easier"
Engineer working on joint projects with Israelis (2 weeks after taking the workshop)
“The workshop made a big impact on my team; they are constantly referring back to it. I had a conflict with one of my Israeli colleagues. Afterwards I made a special effort to make a personal connection, and had a talk about families. I was surprised at the change in the relationship, and now I feel I can work with this person in spite of the conflict”.
Software developer whose team had responsibility for bringing an Israeli product into the US product line
“An interesting incident happened with Israeli software engineers that I have tried to help. They were very defensive and basically told me to back off. Even before I went through the workshop I heard from someone who took it that I need to be more direct, so instead of taking it personally and withdrawing I told them directly that I was trying to help, and asked if they need and want my help. I received an e-mail with an apology and a beginning of a conversation on how to cooperate.”
From the Training Department in a Fortune 500 High Tech Company
"It has been several weeks since you last came to our corporate headquarters for the Israel Cross Cultural workshop, and we are still getting positive feedback!"
Audience comments from IAIA speaker presentations
Secretary for the Consortium, a group made up of all the Jewish organizations in Seattle area
“The event last week was so spectacular, you could do it every year and it would get better and better. It is still the talk of many, and I presented it to the Consortium execs last Thursday.”
“Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed that event last night. In fact, I referred them to our national office to perhaps lead a workshop for our staff.”
Audience member
“I couldn't stop smiling throughout your whole presentation. You were addressing the challenges (including personal) that I faced in the last 15 years of my professional life, working for companies in Australia, Israel, the US, and being personally familiar with the Japanese and Russian cultures. Addressing the intercultural divide (especially the “invisible” ones, such as the US – Israeli one) in today's business world could be an issue of success vs. failure, especially for Israeli start-ups. Yet, in my opinion, cultural differences could add an immense advantage (that is measurable) to those who properly utilize them mindfully."
Audience member who is a successful Organizational Consultant
“Thank you for a great presentation at the WIBC. You captured the essence of this and articulated it beautifully."
Client comments following IAIA relocation support
Spouse of founder of Israeli startup coming to launch operations in the US
“We met with IAIA quite soon after we arrived in the US. We were still in the first stages of adaptation. What they told us would happen is exactly what happened. Instead of being shocked and not knowing how to handle things, we knew what to do. Because of IAIA’s excellent support our adjustment and our children’s adjustment was smooth. I would recommend IAIA;s services to anyone.”
Israeli manager in a Fortune 500 company on Relocation to the US
“I have been working with the Americans for a long time-I didn't’t think I needed this kind of coaching. I was preparing to begin work with my new US team – I had set up appointments with each of my subordinates at all levels of the ‘chart’. I am so grateful HR made me take this coaching session because I understood that my approach was mistaken and I was going to do irreversible damage.”
Client list available on request
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