Tips and Tricks
Useful Summaries
The Estefa website offers many useful summaries. In the sections on philosophy and products, many files can be found that provide interculturally applicable information. The Estefa Philosophies offer a basic survival-pack for those involved in intercultural assistance.
Organizing Complex Events
Before organizing an event, take a look at Estefa's Congress Planner. By working out the checklists, almost all aspects of an event can be analyzed in advance. The Congress Planner can be downloaded as a PDF in the 'Products and Services' section under 'Congresses and Events', 'Event Management'.
Business Plans
To compose a proper business plan, take a look at Estefa's downloadable template for business plans. It can be found in the 'products' section, under 'Management Support' and 'Business Plans'.
Cultural Identity
When dealing with other cultures, do not try to overshadow an identity. People's natural willingness to co-operate ends when someone feels his or her identity is being threatened. Alway try to understand the other first.
On Mediation
Mediation does not involve taking sides. Professional mediation takes patience and helping people understand the true nature of their situation in relation to themselves and others. By helping both entities rather than trying to 'capture' one side, a durable framework for mediation is developed. Career counselling, whether professional or personal, often proves useful due to its nature of identifying the goals and the logical paths to achieving them.
Problems of Communication
Communication only exists when two individuals or groups are willing to communicate. If you find a barrier between you and the person you are trying to communicate with, try listening rather than talking. By finding common ground, a much better basis for communication is formed.
