Despite initial signs and hints of the important role that awaits the hero, classic film plots often follow with resistance. The protagonist hesitates, doubts himself, or finds good reasons not to face the challenge (yet).
In the movie…
In Star Wars: Episode IV, Luke Skywalker feels obligated to his uncle and wants to stay on Tatooine so he can continue to support his family.
In the life of an expat…
Many things are important before an assignment – from obtaining residence and work permits to contractual issues, organizing the move, and providing for the family. Of course, intercultural differences also play a role – as does the question of what life and work will be like in the destination country.
And yet other issues initially take center stage: no visa means no flight, no contract means no job, no family support means no start. The focus is on what is urgent, concrete, and imperative. The “soft factors” – cultural adaptation, identity issues, emotional preparation – seem less threatening or relevant at this point. They are simply ignored.
The support…
What does an invitation to participate in intercultural training or assignment preparation mean at this stage?
From the perspective of many expats: additional effort. Between to-do lists and deadlines, now they have to find time for a seminar? The inner resistance to a one- or two-day training course is therefore understandable – especially if the personal connection to the topic is still lacking.
This also defines what the effect of intercultural preparation training can be at this point in time, when the hero is not yet aware of the specific challenges. What will certainly not succeed is to try to influence or even change the attitude of the hero, i.e., the participants in the preparation training. From their point of view, there is no reason to do so.
What is needed at this point is a format that does not place an additional burden on participants, but rather relieves them:
training that provides orientation, answers questions, offers realistic insights, instills confidence, and meets participants exactly where they are.
