Collaborating with Israelis

Services

Workshop

Overview

Israel is a vibrant, modern democracy, known for its groundbreaking, cutting-edge technological innovation. Israelis are widely engaged in the international arena, speak relatively good English and travel more than the average citizen of the world.
Yet, Israel’s unique history, its geographical location, its geostrategic posture and other factors, render its organizational culture extremely unique, to say the least.
This means certain culture shock when engaging Israelis unprepared. Most cultural attributes are not a matter of “good or bad.” What may be considered “normal” in one culture may be perceived as outrageous in another.
Israelis are commonly perceived as open, friendly, and honest, and genuinely seek the realization of mutual goals. It is apparent that many Israelis understand the importance of international cooperation and value the resulting professional dividends. But they are also straightforward and blunt, tend to talk instead of listen, teach instead of learn, and preach instead of recommend and contribute.
In order to effectively engage Israelis, whether in negotiations or collaborative efforts, it is essential to first understand their cultural footprint, and bridge cultural gaps. Expectation management, and understanding why and how Israelis interact, can significantly enhance the engagement and lead to a better outcome.

Working with Israelis? Relocating to Israel? This workshop lays out the cultural blueprints of Israeli culture and organizational culture, in order to bridge and bypass cultural gaps, enable better communication, and enhance collaboration.

Objectives

Better understand Israel and Israelis in order to overcome cultural barriers and enhance dialogue and collaboration.
Significantly reduce tension, improve the process and the outcome of the interaction.
Learn useful tools, skills and methodologies, aimed at effective, cultural-sensitive communication.
Leverage cultural attributes to gain a competitive advantage, such as improving negotiation posture.

Guiding principles

Topics

Frontal lectures, accompanied by test cases and hands-on simulation.
Minimum theory - maximum practicality.
Focus on interpersonal skills at the core of inter-cultural engagement.
Reach tangible results – capabilities which can be easily and immediately applied.

Fundamentals - organizational culture as cultural DNA.
How Jewish history forged and influenced Israel’s cultural identity.
Fundamental national symbols and codes, and how they influence organizational culture.
Cultural derivatives of size and perspective, or – what it means to be small.
Narratives, norms, taboos – reasons and ramifications.
Typical Israeli characteristics - their impact on cooperation, how to cope with them and how make the best of them.
Personal space, body language, and other key aspects of interpersonal interaction.
How culture influences technological innovation.
Israeli management, leadership and organizational paradigms - contemporary organizational and managerial methodologies and their Israeli implementation.
Interpersonal methods for reaching effective communication and collaboration with Israelis.
Israel’s strategic environment, defense strategy and implications for cultural interaction.
Internal rifts and tensions within the Israeli society.
What Israelis do wrong in international relations, and the challenge of undetected opportunities, and lack of sensors and feedback.
Expectation management and mitigating culture shock.

Format

Target Audience:

People relocating to Israel or working with Israelis.
International companies with Israeli branches or Israeli partners.
Diplomats serving in Israel or interacting with Israeli diplomats.
VC firms and investors.
Members of academic institutions with ties to Israel.
Military, defense and law enforcement agencies which collaborate with parallel Israeli organizations.

Workshop Length:

Half day / full day formats.

Class Size:

Best workshop dynamic achieved with approximately 15 attendants.

Workshop Language:

English.