A Compass in the Jungle of Cultural Differences

Author: Dan Wiener
Price E-Book: CHF 15.80
Price Editon: CHF 19.80
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Pages: 85
Format: 15,5 x 21 cm
Cover: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-3-9525354-9-3

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Since he can remember himself, Dan Wiener has lived with cultural differences. His ancestors came from seven different countries. As a communication trainer who is active around the globe, he encounters very different worlds every day. Companies also have very diverse company cultures and, in turn, the people involved have the most varied personal communication expectations.

Cultural diversity can be seen as a big problem but also as a fascinating enrichment. After all, our society has become more multicultural and diverse as a result of migration and globalisation. Dan Wiener treasures the opportunity to foster exchange and understanding in organisations and companies.

The coach and artist shows how cultural differences can mark the beginning of enriching journeys and processes of fruitful integration, instead of serving as conflict-ridden dividing lines.

This book offers short essays and background for a deeper understanding of cultural contexts. It contains tips on how to live in a world shaped by diversity with more awareness and purpose. In the end, the author presents concrete integration examples from the community, international politics and business, school, social services, and healthcare. A systematic approach in three steps: culture, diversity, and integration.

Dan Wiener has over 30 years of stage experience as an actor/musician and is the winner of the “Salzburger Stier” award, the most prestigious cabaret prize in the German-speaking world. As a communication trainer, he has shared his well-founded expertise with leading companies since 2001. Alongside his consulting activities, he holds seminars on all the relevant communication topics, including presentation and leadership skills.

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Dan Wiener, why did you write this book?

This is a topic I have been reflecting on for a long time. It is about being different and still belonging, about how people could understand each other. Since I have been teaching communication, it is also about presenting my knowledge to others. So this book was born out of my own experience, research, and practice.

What does practice mean in this case?

In the book, I provide examples from the business world, such as a company merger in which employees need to find common denominators. Another example is from education, where children often live in two different worlds at home and in school. I also describe how in the social setting, one could transition easily from prejudice to chauvinism to racism.

But the people who would need your book the most, such as racists for example, are not very likely to read it?

That’s true. But I wanted to give those who are interested a compass and methods for approaching cultural conflicts. This empowers the side that wants to engage in dialogue and break down prejudices. The book is not all about racism. That was just an example. It is also about integration, for instance.

So would you say that someone who is more integrated experiences less racism?

No, not at all. This would put the blame for racism on the victims. Racism is usually just a blind projection. But let’s talk about integration instead. An individual cannot get integrated on their own. That would mean that integration is a one-sided adaptation. I see it very differently: Integration is a mutual process.

But you still have to adapt, right?

No, that is a very common misconception! It is about dialogue, an exchange on equal footing, and about mutually assuming the responsibility.

Okay, that is what you describe in your book. You said earlier that you have been reflecting on this topic for as long as you can remember. Is the book especially relevant today?

I think this topic is very relevant to humankind in general. But there are many fast changes today that we, as individuals, have hardly any control over: globalisation, social crises and power struggles, the spread of technology that comes between young and old as well as rich and poor. So the ability to communicate about our differences and find solutions is especially important. I would like to contribute to this with my book.

A Guide for Self-Determined Action

Author: Dan Wiener
Price E-Book: CHF 15.80
Price Editon: CHF 19.80
Shipping: CHF 3.00
Pages: 115
Format: 15,5 x 21 cm
Cover: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-3-9525354-4-8

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Individual responsibility is the basis of a successful and fulfilled life. It is considered a matter of course in today’s professional world. But not everyone is able to cope with the freedom that comes with it. We are too used to placing responsibility on each other. We feel that we are limited by others’ opinions, adverse circumstances, or even destiny. The key to freeing ourselves from this plethora of limitations lies in a successful management of oneself.

In this book, Dan Wiener succeeds in making us face issues we like to avoid. He patiently guides us step-by-step from the vision through the planning to the achievement of our goal. As an artist, author and management trainer the author knows all too well the pitfalls, stumbling blocks and inner temptations on a path to self-determination. As a seminar instructor and consultant he has found time and again that he is not alone in this. The tools and tips that he provides, supported by numerous examples, are also very practical.   Manage Yourself, Before Others Do is a valuable guide for how to approach your daily professional tasks in a more self-determined, dynamic and satisfied manner.

Dan Wiener has over 30 years of stage experience as an actor/musician and is the winner of the “Salzburger Stier” award, the most prestigious cabaret prize in the German-speaking world. As a communication trainer, he has shared his well-founded expertise with leading companies since 2001. Alongside his consulting activities, he holds seminars on all the relevant communication topics, including presentation and leadership skills.

5 Questions for Dan Wiener

You work on the theatre stage, write songs and stories – and now, a guide for managers. How did that come about?
I am interested in human stories, be it on stage or in day-to-day life. I have been a communication trainer for 20 years as well. This gave me insight into a wide range of companies and their cultures. Over time, I have gathered a wealth of experience that I want to pass on.

In three sentences, what is the book about?
Three aspects are decisive for acting with individual responsibility and self-determination: knowing what is important to you, making the appropriate decisions, and actually putting them into action. The path to this runs through clear focus, creative and solution-oriented thinking, and sustainable change. My book provides a clear way to do this, with practical tools.

How much personal experience is behind this book?
A great deal. Good self-management is vital for a creative artist. In the cultural environment, there is a widespread lack of money, infrastructure, and sometimes even competence. You learn to take things into your own hands. At the same time, I have been able to take advantage of others’ experiences due to my long-time consulting work. Both sides are represented in this book.

Have you discovered anything new about yourself when writing it?
Seeing my written thoughts from the outside was a nice experience. I can compare it to hearing one of my compositions once I play it myself: a view from the outside into my inner world.

In the current pandemic, self-management has become the trend. Does your book provide any concrete tips that could help deal with the crisis too?
We are living in a time where we are questioning many things, but we should not lose sight of the bigger picture. As difficult as the situation is right now, it can always be an opportunity to fundamentally rethink things and to focus on what is really important to you.