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On December 3rd, Taxand Global Academy brought together Tax Partners for an inspiring Virtual Masterclass on Cross-Cultural Awareness, Intelligence, and Communication, led by the esteemed Peter Alfandary. This session, designed for partners with 1 to 4 years of experience, offered crucial insights into navigating and excelling in a multicultural business environment.
Peter Alfandary, with over 30 years of experience as a law firm partner and international coach, provided a dynamic and interactive exploration of how cultural nuances shape communication, decision-making, and client relationships.
Participants praised the session for its depth and practicality. Attendees noted,
“These trainings and workshops are very useful and Peter Alfandary is always amazing“.
“The training was very insightful and, in some instances, eye-opening“.
Key Highlights
Peter emphasized how cultural tendencies influence behavior, from negotiation styles to communication preferences. For instance, while clients in Tokyo might value indirect approaches, clients in New York often appreciate directness. Such understanding is critical to adapting advice effectively.
The discussion highlighted how different cultures interpret communication. While some, like the Germans or Dutch, are direct, others, such as the Japanese or British, use subtler, coded messages. Similarly, humor—a tool for easing tension—can be misunderstood across cultural boundaries, requiring careful application.
Time management expectations vary significantly: Germans and Swiss prioritize punctuality, whereas Latin cultures like Italy and Spain adopt a more flexible approach. Adapting to these differences is key to fostering trust and ensuring smooth interactions.
Peter explored how legal advice is influenced by cultural thought processes. Anglo-Saxon clients favor concise executive summaries, whereas European clients often require detailed analyses. Understanding these preferences ensures that advice is both relevant and well-received.
Cultural intelligence, Peter explained, involves more than just recognizing differences—it’s about engaging with empathy, building trust, and asking thoughtful questions. This includes understanding hierarchies in decision-making, adapting to different communication preferences, and navigating cultural sensitivities with care.
The Way Forward
This Masterclass reaffirmed Taxand’s commitment to fostering global connections and preparing partners to lead in a multicultural world. As we approach our 20th anniversary in 2025, these skills will remain integral to delivering exceptional client service and strengthening our global network.
For those who missed this session, we encourage you to explore upcoming trainings and resources on the Hub.
(Documents > 4. Taxand Global Academy > Virtual Training Tuesdays > Cross-Cultural Skills)
Let’s continue to embrace the richness of our cultural diversity and drive success together. Together, we are shaping the future of cross-cultural collaboration. 
For any questions, contact julia.nazzareno@taxand.com
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