Practical and direct - as you would expect from a course about Dutch culture. Real examples from the high-tech industry illustrate how cultural dynamics play out in the workplace, and participants work though scenarios relevant to their own roles. The course creates a safe space for honest questions and open discussions. At the end of the course, you'll have a complete personal action plan to take forward.
Working in the Dutch high-tech industry is a distinctive experience. Direct feedback, flat hierarchies, and a culture of open debate can come as a surprise to professionals joining from other backgrounds - and without the right tools, they can make it difficult to perform at your best.
This course is designed to change that. In one intensive day, you will gain a clear understanding of Dutch workplace culture - why it works the way it does, what is expected of you, and how to turn its most challenging aspects into professional strenghts. From navigating a culture of radical honesty and influencing decisions in non-hierarchical teams, to making meetings productive and building your credibility from day one, every element of the program is grounded in real situations from the Dutch high-tech industry.
Professionals who complete this course consistently find that the skills they develop do more than help them adapt - the become a lasting competitive advantage.
This training is available for open enrollment and as an in-company session tailored to your organization.
Objective
You'll learn the history behind the Netherlands' unique approach to work, and why it's a plus in the technology industry. You'll also practice the concrete day-to-day skills you need to survive – and thrive.
This intensive boot camp covers:
- The specifics of the Dutch business culture and how it developed;
- Why the Dutch approach is so successful in the high tech industry, and how it meets the needs of high tech engineers;
- How to speak up in every situation (even when it means contradicting your boss);
- How to respond professionally to harsh criticism;
- How to handle mistakes and things you don't know;
- What to do about all those endless meetings;
- The major don'ts and other sensitive issues – what you definitely shouldn't do.
Target Audience
Non-Dutch engineers, scientists, managers, and other professionals working within Dutch high-tech organizations or collaborating with Dutch teams on complex system development programs.
Program
- Understanding the Dutch approach to feedback and criticism
- The background, history, and key traits of Dutch corporate culture
- Working effectively within flat, non-hierarchal organizations
- Managing the dynamics of frequent meetings
- Navigating the well-known Dutch directness - and making it work for you
- Why this cultural model contributes to success in high-tech industries
- Speaking up with impact and strengthening your influence
- Stakeholder management in a flat organization
- Giving constructive feedback - including upward feedback to senior colleagues
- Recognizing common pitfalls that can hinder your career in the Netherlands
Methods
Certification
Participants will receive a High Tech Institute course certificate for attending this training. In addition, this training is part of the Professional Education program of the Dutch Society for Precision Engineering (DSPE), which issues microcredentials for it.
More information
Course Reviews
"This is a must-have training for people from different hierarchical and top down approach. The earlier after 6 months of working, the better."
Proto Design Engineer - ASML"One of our Product Managers recommended this training to the group. She had attended a short lecture on this topic and according to her, being exposed to all those facts and tips would have helped her tremendously when she started in Netherlands 10 years ago. Having attended the day-long training myself now, I couldn’t agree more. The training packs in itself the “Basic 101” of understanding the Dutch at work and how to orient oneself to understand, appreciate, adapt and thrive. The trainer was able to convincingly link our “only-in-the-Netherlands” experiences to factual and cultural reasons. I am looking forward to applying this newly acquired insight in my day-to-day work and people interaction!"
Ayesha Hanif - ASML"Very useful, it was most interesting to see the different nationalities present and their views on Dutch culture."
David Pollard – Ultimaker"Very useful training which helps me to clarify a lot of ambiguity."
Seifeddine Slimani – Signify"Really helpful and to the point. It sheds light on many aspects of Dutch culture that I wasn’t aware of prior to joining. Exercises are the best bit."
Riccardo Mazzocco – ASML
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