Cultural Orientation and Framework Training

The challenges of working cross-culturally are well-known. Every expat coming into Afghanistan is faced with cultural situations for which they are not prepared. A typical cultural orientation training has people learn and memorize the do’s and don’ts of the country. The challenge arises when the situation faced doesn’t fit into the limited do’s and don’ts learned.

Silk Road believes that learning a cultural framework is much more effective and long-lasting. We teach the worldviews and cultural distinctions that act as guideposts for cultural behaviors. Understood through this lens, almost any cultural situation can be understood.

For this purpose we offer customized training suited to the needs of the organization and individual, from a half-day course for those with minimal contact with Afghans all the way up to a five-day full certification in Cultural Mapping and Navigation for those who train other trainers. The cultural framework we instill in the trainees will serve them well as they face the inevitable challenges of navigating the cultural landscape of Afghanistan.

The Art of Negotiation

Studies have shown that the area of possible agreement is much larger than what is conventionally negotiated. This two-day workshop will equip you with the tools needed for win-win agreements and achieving influence in everyday situations.

Overview:

The Art of Negotiation workshop is designed to teach you experientially through dynamic interaction what most businessmen and women are never taught in school. In essence, most people leave value on the table. This workshop facilitates a discovery process that explores the automatic assumptions influencing your decision-making power through real-time, hands-on activities.

1. Learning to frame a negotiation;
2. Practicing strategies and tactics;
3. Learning to listen as leverage;
4. Identifying position vs. interests; and
5. Maneuvering through conflict.

Duration: Sixteen hours in length; offered in English only.

Materials:

• Copy of book in English, Getting to Yes
• Participant workbooks are provided

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The Art of Sales

“Selling is the art of creating value for the customer at every step of the process.”

We create customized sales training programs that combine workshops such as the one below with a mentor/coaching paradigm.  Sales is taught best through practice, both in-class and in front of actual customers. With our on-the-ground trainers we create the right mix of training that brings actual results.

Overview:

The Art of Sales workshop is designed to teach you experientially and through dynamic interaction the process and possibility in every step of the sales cycle. In essence, many people miss seeing the opportunities embedded in objections and often sabotage themselves. Are you aware of what is predictable about people as well as what is unpredictable?

It is one thing to learn the steps to a sales process. It is quite another to know who to be and calibrate to your customer. We teach the skills - what to do - but we set them in the context of who you need to be in any sale in order to achieve optimum results even as circumstances change.

This workshop facilitates you in discovering the automatic assumptions that influence your decision-making power through real-time, hands-on activities, facilitated by professional transformational trainers.

Topics covered:

1. Framing your Communication
2. Mastering Objections
3. Practicing Strategies and Tactics
4. Breaking through Resistance
5. Discovering Automatic Assumptions
6. Learning to Listen as Leverage
7. Managing your Attitude
8. Developing and Maintaining Rapport
9. Maneuvering Through Conflict

What to Expect:

1. Open Dynamic Lecturettes
2. Structured Experiential Exercises
3. Relevant Situational Simulations
4. Group Discussions
5. Professional Interactive Coaching
6. Networking
7. Study Materials

Duration: Sixteen hours in length; offered in English only.

Materials:

• Participant workbooks are provided

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Human Resource Management

Our program provides a comprehensive human resource management foundation, grounded in practice, for your human resources department staff.  We will instill a solid foundation in the key disciplines of human resources management, such as, Recruiting, Employee Relations, Performance Management and Compensation & Benefits.  Customized programs for your organization are available with a focus on practical application and processes. 

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The Fundamentals of Project Management

This course provides a basic overview of project management methodology through interactive and hands-on exercises. The focus is on the key deliverables of project management, including: Scope / Statement of Work, Business Case (Financial Justification), Project Schedule, Resource and Budget Forecasting, Requirements Specification, and Implementation Planning.

Overview:

The objectives and benefits of this course are as follows:

1. Understand basic project management concepts;
2. Practice working in a team-based project environment;
3. Grow skill set in techniques and tools for effective project management;
4. Improve project delivery;
5. Better management of expectations on project work;
6. Expansion of tool set for team members in the project management role;
7. Introduction of common language for peers to collaborate on project problems and to discover best practices.

Duration: Four days in length; offered in English only.

Materials:

• Participant workbooks are provided

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Additional Business Skills Topics