Doing Buisiness Russian Style
The project is off, but not without many hiccups. I am learning how to do buisiness Russian style, meaning when negotiating with the contrustion company I must look really pissed off at all times and puff out my chest. I can say the nice part about conducting buisiness here is that there is no bull crap. When I meet with the mayor, director of schools, or the construction company I do not need to waste time with small talk about their children or the weather. We get right down to buisiness and even though we are talking about something as innocent as building a much needed playground for some innocent children, they always lock the door and check to see if anyone is by the window or door before we begin talking. Thank god SCHAB's funds are paying for the project via a secure travel credit card because sometimes I feel like they expect me to put a suitcase filled with cash on the table and sit back in my chair and light a cigar. Despite having to navigate the dramatic nuances of negotiating this project, things appear to be moving in a good direction. I can say that after being here for less than a week, Suzdal really needs this project more than I had originally understood. I know that these sports programs will be huge for the children in town and the school principle is very excited about the alcohol education materials.
Just being here and administering this project has allowed me to participate in a tremendous cultural exchange. The school principal and I have spent hours comparing and contrasting the nuances of our education systems. In the buisness negotiations I have learned a lot about how an economy works in such a small town. Best of all, I have gotten to meet dozens of awesome kids with tons of questions about America and sports. Fortunately, I have been able to dismantle many stereotypes. I am learning that the largest road block that stands in the way of international diplomacy between peoples is a lack of exposure and interaction. With every kid I meet and every conversation I get to participate in about the Russian perspective on important issues, I am engaging in a powerful cultural exchange that reveals the global truth that people really aren't that different. We have many of the same problems and wants and it is through things like learning how to do buisiness the Russian way that we can break past the constrains of mere fear of differences and discover that all people prefer to make a friend rather than an enemy.
Just being here and administering this project has allowed me to participate in a tremendous cultural exchange. The school principal and I have spent hours comparing and contrasting the nuances of our education systems. In the buisness negotiations I have learned a lot about how an economy works in such a small town. Best of all, I have gotten to meet dozens of awesome kids with tons of questions about America and sports. Fortunately, I have been able to dismantle many stereotypes. I am learning that the largest road block that stands in the way of international diplomacy between peoples is a lack of exposure and interaction. With every kid I meet and every conversation I get to participate in about the Russian perspective on important issues, I am engaging in a powerful cultural exchange that reveals the global truth that people really aren't that different. We have many of the same problems and wants and it is through things like learning how to do buisiness the Russian way that we can break past the constrains of mere fear of differences and discover that all people prefer to make a friend rather than an enemy.
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