In the modern era of interconnected global markets, the ability to lead with diplomacy and cross-cultural intelligence is no longer a soft skill, but a strategic imperative. For senior executives and CEOs, mastering the art of international relations is crucial for navigating complex stakeholder networks, mitigating geopolitical risks, and building trust across diverse cultural landscapes. This training course is meticulously designed to transform business leaders into global diplomats, equipping them with the strategic foresight and interpersonal skills necessary to foster resilient international partnerships and drive sustainable growth.

This five-day program offers an immersive deep dive into the principles of executive diplomacy and cross-cultural leadership. You will learn to anticipate and respond to global trends, negotiate with tact and finesse, and communicate with clarity and influence across different cultures. By moving beyond traditional business strategy, this course provides a powerful framework for building a reputation of trust and ethical leadership, enabling you to expand your organization's influence and secure a competitive advantage in the global arena.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Chief Operating Officers (COOs)
• Presidents of multinational corporations
• Heads of international divisions
• Senior Vice Presidents of Global Business
• C-suite executives with international responsibilities
• Corporate Development Executives
• Global Public Policy and Government Relations Leaders
• High-potential leaders on a global career track
• Senior strategists and corporate advisors

Objectives:

• Understand the critical role of diplomacy in contemporary global business
• Develop a framework for effective cross-cultural communication and leadership
• Master the principles of international negotiation and conflict resolution
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with global stakeholders
• Leverage soft power to enhance brand reputation and influence
• Anticipate and respond to geopolitical risks and changes
• Formulate and articulate a compelling vision in a global context
• Navigate ethical dilemmas and cultural sensitivities in business
• Apply diplomatic strategies to complex business scenarios

Course Modules: Module 1: The Business Diplomat

• The evolution of corporate diplomacy in a globalized world
• The CEO as a chief diplomat and brand ambassador
• The power of soft power and reputation in international business
• Aligning corporate values with global ethical standards
• Case studies of successful and failed corporate diplomacy

Module 2: Cross-Cultural Intelligence

• Understanding cultural dimensions and their impact on business
• Adapting communication styles for different cultural contexts
• Navigating decision-making processes in diverse teams
• Building trust and rapport across cultural divides
• Overcoming unconscious bias in international interactions

Module 3: Strategic International Negotiation

• Principles of principled negotiation and interest-based bargaining
• The art of active listening and non-verbal communication
• Negotiating with government officials and international partners
• Strategies for bridging cultural gaps in the negotiation process
• Techniques for reaching mutually beneficial agreements

Module 4: Global Stakeholder Management

• Identifying and mapping key international stakeholders
• Developing a structured stakeholder engagement plan
• Building and maintaining relationships with foreign governments
• Communicating with international media and the public
• The role of corporate social responsibility in stakeholder management

Module 5: Crisis Diplomacy and Communication

• The importance of proactive crisis planning and readiness
• Strategies for communicating during a global crisis
• Managing reputational risks in a fast-paced media environment
• Diplomatic de-escalation techniques for sensitive situations
• Learning from past corporate crises and global events

Module 6: Political Acumen and Foresight

• Developing a geopolitical lens for strategic planning
• Analyzing political risks and opportunities in target markets
• The impact of policy changes on global operations
• Building relationships with government affairs and public policy teams
• Utilizing think tanks and global experts for intelligence

Module 7: The Digital Diplomat

• The role of social media in executive diplomacy
• Managing personal and corporate reputation in the digital space
• Strategies for leveraging digital platforms for influence
• Addressing cyber threats and digital security diplomatically
• Ethical considerations in digital communication and data privacy

Module 8: Ethical Leadership and Global Governance

• The role of international law and governance in business
• Navigating anti-bribery and anti-corruption regulations
• The impact of human rights and labor standards on business
• Building a culture of integrity and ethical compliance
• Contributing to global sustainability goals through diplomacy

Module 9: Executive Presence and Leadership

• Cultivating an authentic and influential executive presence
• Speaking with confidence and clarity on a global stage
• The art of persuasive storytelling and public speaking
• Leading with empathy and emotional intelligence

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.