Calgary, AB, International travel is part of organizational leadership in a global landscape. Business travel for women is more necessary. Organizational leadership requires more women to travel as representatives in various positions.
Preparation for the weekend trip routinely includes ensuring that a passport is valid; travel insurance is updated and both airfare and hotel arrangements have been secured. Time differentiation is important to consider with losses and gains dependent on the way you go. Meals and water can cause difficulties if allergies or diet restrictions complicate the mix. Even so, most countries are well equipped to assist the business traveler.
The role of communication is extremely important as the traveler finds himself surrounded in another sometimes unfamiliar culture. The ability to communicate is important for international travel. This communication is two-way and requires the information to flow easily from one to another. For example, in Canada getting a taxi is routine. One calls a cab and leaves an address for the taxi to find. This assumption can cause trouble if the new country does not have the same custom.
For example, Loreen Sherman found first-hand the new country, Santa Monica, Los Angeles taxi drivers did not go to certain locations and was unaware of this cultural difference. Three times she called for a taxi to pick her up from several addresses in the same locality, none came. The answer was the same, taxis do not go there. Click the phone was dead. An office supply store, gas station and a production center were unsuccessful in helping find a taxi. No one likes to be in this predicament.
The question that enters the mind; is how do get help in uncertain circumstances and unfamiliar surroundings?
Communication is the answer. Ask for help. Tell people immediately what the problem is and look for a solution. In this case, the immediate question was, 'How do you hail a taxi?'
Courtesy is not a foreign language. People understand the uncertainty of travelers in navigating new locations. People recognize vulnerability and many will rise to the occasion to assist someone in distress.
Remain calm and follow these three steps:
1) Keep the tone of the conversation on a casual, friendly level.
2) Maintain eye contact.
3) Tell what happened to lead to the predicament and ask for help to independently solve the problem.
Extra niceties and assistance are not expected; rather they are what make the fabric of humanity connect. Many travelers find ordinary people who help make the journey pleasant. Strangers are courteous because the human connection is a strong bond.
Foreigners or not, people speak the same language of courtesy and kindness; and many are willing to help and serve. Where there is assistance between countries all involved are winners. Courtesy is not a foreign language. Thanks for each and every one that extends courtesy to the foreigner.
Availability: Alberta, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone. 403.289.2292 or Toll Free 1.877.896.7292.
###