IAIA presents at the Washington Israel Business Council in Seattle, Washington

“Working Effectively across the Israeli - American Cultural Interface - Key problem areas and methodologies for bridging Israeli-US cultures, and leveraging them for success”

Presentation by Anat Kedem and Vivian Deutsch, Israel-US cross-cultural experts who provide consulting, coaching and training for business and not-for-profit organizations through their partnership, Israeli-American Intercultural Advantage (IAIA).

Event held October 16, 2007 at Zango Corporation in Bellevue, WA

Initiated by the Washington Israel Business Council, a not-for-profit, non-governmental, membership supported organization dedicated to the strengthening of business and trade relations between Washington State and the State of Israel.

Co-sponsored by: Garvey; Schubert Barer Law; Silicon Valley Bank; Consulate General of Israel Economic Mission; Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle

Although Israelis and Americans doing business together is incredibly powerful, it often comes as a surprise that the cultural approaches to the way work gets done are very different. Discovering this too far into the business process is not only extremely frustrating, it can actually cause missing business goals.

The presentation by IAIA focused on differences in communication style and behavior between Israelis and Americans that can present barriers to effective working together. Typical specific difficulties were discussed referring to Israeli vs. US cultural values. It was shown how the kind of support IAIA provides helps overcome culture gaps to ensure business success.  

The panel discussion was very lively, with the panel members sharing their personal experiences of cross-cultural issues in their own work with people from the other culture, i.e., Israeli or American. The panelists showcased how behaviors that are viewed as normal by one side have a completely unexpected impact on the other. The misunderstandings are humorous when told in hindsight, but at the time they caused damage and derailed the shared work. It is enlightening to realize what an important part culture gaps play in the business setting. Many business ventures can rise or fall depending on the two side's understanding and skill in cross-cultural communication.

There were over one hundred attendees. The audience included both Americans and Israelis. Audience response was extremely appreciative and enthusiastic.

A sample from audience comments received in e-mails following the event:

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.”

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."