Africa Training Tip

People work at a slower pace in Africa compared to our "break neck" speed in the United States.  I was concerned that the students wouldn't come back from breaks and lunch on time. Or be so late that I couldn't stay on my schedule. With some humor I told the students that they had to be back from break on time or they would be fined an American dollar for every minute they were late. When a student came in late we gave them a round of applause. At the end of the class we gave all the money to the people who cleaned and prepared our training room.  It was a lot of fun and it encouraged the students to come back on time. It also honored the hotel people who were giving us excellent service.

Caution: This was an American company, thus the American dollar. You also have to make sure you have established enough rapport with the group before you set this rule. Always ask your contact "will this work?"