al dente

What were the main culture shocks?

How do you raise tricky subjects?

All meetings appear to be about making consensus decisions. How do you get informed about everything before you go to the meetings, or is that bad form?

The Dean

In meetings, behave exactly as you would in your home country - you are not being employed because you are the same as all the locals, you are being employed because you bring NON-local skills with you.

Blue Cat

Millhouse

Come on guys, that is only 50% true.

We all know that the first few minutes of a meeting should be about drinking tea and asking about family. If I'm doing a long-day of project negotiations etc, I'll take chocolates etc. None of this I would do in the UK.

the_red_sheep

The first five minutes of a meeting is spent wondering where the **** everyone else is, as although it was scheduled to start 5 minutes ago no other ****er has managed to turn up yet. The next 5 minutes is waiting for everyone who has managed to turn up to finish their calls/fannying about on their phones. The next 5 minutes is waiting for them to finish shaking hands, kissing and patting each other on the back.

al dente

Will take chocolates for the next big meeting, that's a top tip. What about talking about difficult subjects? Such as paying their bills and pricing? I am a bridge between them and non emirati partners? Should I be upfront or roundabout?

Millhouse

Don't do the dirty washing in public. Any criticism (even if well intended) needs to be done one to one (several times if needed). Doing it in public will make them defensive - loss of face and all that.

I would raise the bill as a matter of fact in the group but in a non-accusingly way - then do the one on one lobbying.

Try and get them to explain their issues and expand on them - while giving ideas. basis 101 consulting really.

Maxima

Do not use any word or expression that you cannot type on this forum.

Millhouse

Why have they all been burnt by shady financial advisors too?

al dente

Not call them stupid ****ing ***** then? Just as well as I don't think they are. Just more of a crafty persuasion.