Dragon suit workshops
preparing leadership teams for working in or with china
An interactive, practical cross-cultural leadership workshop that prepares corporate leaders for communication, negotiation, team leadership, product localisation and strategic problem-solving while working in China or with Chinese customers, suppliers, investors, managers or even while facing Chinese competitors.
A leadership journey from self-discovery to practical plans
Based on Gabor Holch’s 2023 book with the same title, Dragon Suit workshops prepare international managers for working in or with China. Individual needs surveys and highly interactive facilitation methods help participants prepare for unexpected culture shock due to China’s speed, size and diversity with China-specific communicaiton, teamwork and leadership skills.
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Case studies and roleplays customised to the client's industry, business objectives and company culture ensure that Dragon Suit workshops participants return to work with individual and team action plans specific to their China-related projects.
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Dragon Suit workshops are delivered either in person or online. Follow-up options, including short refresher workshops, individual coaching or e-learning, help participants apply and improve their China-specific intercultural skills.
What you gain
Anaysis of China-specific challenges and strengths through consultation and survey
Intercultural behavioural assessment profile for each participant
Interactive introduction to China's 5 challenge factors and winning strategies
Live practice of China-specific communication, teamwork and leadership methods
Custom-made case studies and realistic roleplays based on the client's projects
Guided action-planning and follow-up activities to prepare for future challenges
How do Dragon Suit Workshops work?
Progressing through the three stages of AWARENESS, SKILLS and HABITS, Dragon Suit workshops prepare participants for the unexpected culture shock due to China’s top-5 challenges including the country's speed, size, diversity work culture, political system and unique traditions.
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AWARENESS - We arrange an Orientation meeting with the client's executives, HR or L&D team, survey participant expectations and current China-specific challenges. If agreed, we create intercultural assessment profiles for each participant. Awareness-building continues at the beginning of the workshop in the form of reflection on the participants' current China-related knowledge, exposure and experiences.
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SKILLS - The workshop introduces 5 China-specific culture-clash factors, and intercultural leadership tools and applications selected according to Orientation and survey results. Skills may include ccommunication, negotiation, teamwork, delegation, leadership and if required, time management, strategy, product and service customisation specific to China.
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HABITS - The last stage of each workshop focuses on developing strategies according to the firm's or team's China-specific challenges, and productive new routines for specific situations while working in China, or with Chinese customers, suppliers, investors, managers or even while facing Chinese competitors. Participants roleplay typical situations, exchange peer feedback and create action plans for individuals and the team.
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We always customise, but here are sample topics included in 1 and 2-day workshops (click to expand):
Example: The flow of a 1-day or 2-day workshop programme
Preparation: A one-hour Orientation meeting with client, HR and/or superior(s) and an initial needs survey.
Awareness: The first 2 hours of each workshop day focuse on self-awareness, current challenges and goals.
Skills: 2-3 hours of each workshop day introduce advanced tools and methods in selected skills, and their applications.
Habits: The remaining 2-3 hours of each workshop day are filled with interactive application and action-planning.
Programme Modules
A one-hour Orientation meeting
An ininitial workshop needs survey
Intercultural behavioural assessment
Half, 1 or 2 day workshops delivered in person or virtually
Follow-up activities such as webinars or coaching
What happens after you contact us?
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We send you questions about your preferences.
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We schedule a free 1-hour video discussion.
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We prepare a custom programme proposal.
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You choose the most suitable options from our offer.
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We create a contract and launch your programme!
"Great content and delivery!"
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"Gabor and his trainers have a keen eye for the learning capability of the group, create solid interaction and action learning."
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Jan Anne Schelling
Vice President HR
DSM
"Practical and engaging with results!"
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"The program has given us effective support in a strategic transition with ambitious targets in terms of turnover, profit and HR development."
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Oemer Akyazici
President & CEO
Schuler Group Asia
"Dynamic, interactive and engaging!"
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"Gabor was extremely well received and he had the audience in the palm of his hand from the first few seconds.."
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Alastair McTavish
Global Head of Learning and Development
Nexia