Full Description
Go beyond Swiss chocolate, beyond the initial fun and adventure of a new country and a new career to immerse yourself in the cultural attitudes of Switzerland's fascinating, multi-faceted society. These thought-provoking insights are based on extensive interviews with Swiss and international people who know well the ups and downs of life in Switzerland. These observations enable newcomers to better understand the perspectives of their Swiss neighbours, friends and international business colleagues. Margaret Oertig-Davidson conducts seminars at international Swiss companies and universities as an expert on relations between Swiss and English-speaking cultures. This engaging study exposes different attitudes and potential misunderstandings about friendship, neighbourliness, being professional, giving and getting compliments and criticism, parenting, schooling, being polite, entertaining, negotiating, decision making, business etiquette, team work, leadership, making plans, and much much more.
Contents
Welcome to the party; Section oneand the coconuts; 2. How people talk; 3. It's not personal; 4. Correct behaviour; 5. Dancing on the phone; 6. Language of the heart; Section two: Settling in locally: 7. Good fences make good neighbours; 8. Join the club; 9. Think local; 10. Entertaining; 11. Rules and social control; Section three: Children and culture: 12. Fostering self-reliance; 13. Self reliance and school; 14. Talking up space; Section four: The world of work: 15. English in international companies; 16. Plain speaking as an ideal; 17. Consensus and internal politics; 18. Understatement; 19. Business etiquette; 20. Small talk; 21. The 'Du' virus; 22. Ropes and networks; 23. Switzerland works; 24. Leadership; 25. Sticking to the plan; 26. Project team work; Section five: Attitudes to risk and safety: 27. Attitudes to danger, Natural dangers, Playing with Fire, Harmony with nature, Exposing children to risks, Danger at play, 29. Teaching children to assess risks, Fewer power struggles, Toddler training, Alpine risk assessment, Dealing with freedom competently, 30. Emotional expression, Avoiding alarming the public, Fear of paedophiles, Scouting drama, Medical matters that cause alarm, Hysterical parents and the professionally, 31. Fear management for children, A blast from the past, Initiation rites, Parents and leaders, After the party; Appendix: Historical reasons for politeness; Notes; Index; About the author.
