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Question Detail

Team Building, Ice-breakers, and Customer Service Training where language is a barrier
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The question was posted by Previous on 20/10/2014 14:21:29

I'm the Retail Trainer for a retailer that is franchising abroad. We are taking responsibility for the delivery of the initial team induction training and their introduction to the standards and values that underpin the business.

Although I have delivered training to new teams in a couple of our international territories, the next trip will see me training a team with no English - a challenge I'm sure you will agree!

I will have a translator, so getting many of my points across will not be a problem; however, I like to use ice-breakers and a variety of team building exercises over the course of the four days of training.

Can anyone recommend some ideas or resources for good (and fun) sessions that will be able to bridge the language barrier?

I'd be grateful for any help available - I'm worried that the current team building and ice-breakers (like Desert Survival/Survival of the fittest)may be lost in translation.


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ResponsesDateAuthor
Hi Mike,
One exercise that I used as an Ice-Breaker when training in Moscow a couple of years ago was 'The Bridge'. Most participants had only a little English and I was dependent on a translator but the exercise went really well, was great fun and provided a memorable learning experience. There are loads of angles you can draw out of the exercise, not least that we all interpret things differently.
Jo
21/10/2014Jo
Hi Mike, since the language barrier is a reality, I'd rely on non verbal communication. This is not only fun, but also reduces the amount of verbal content to be translated. As a translator I'd recommend to use short, clear sentences so that the carrier content is not lost. Suggest the participants to do this as it will keep the pace of the session run smoothly. Another tip: brief the translator before the session on the vocabulary and ideas that will be discussed. Good luck!
21/10/2014Previous
Hi Mike
I do a lot of international training and can share some ice breakers with you. I'd be happy to chat through some possibilities. You can ring me on 07967 699614, preferably this week.
Sally
21/10/2014Previous
Hi Mike,
Have you had a look at Glasstap Sheep Trials? It focuses on teamwork, communication and continuous improvement but instead of verbal commands the teams must communicate with a whistle, http://www.glasstap.com/trainerslibrary/training_doc_details.aspx?doc=309
It may not be exactly what you are looking for but still worth a look?
Thanks, Zoe
21/10/2014Zoe


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