WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A TEAM OF STUDENTS CAN DO TO BUILD RAPPORT WITH THEIR PARTNER COMPANY?
Bazerman (UK IFC): Start early. Once you know who your client is in October, start building rapport and defining your project. Focus on providing your client with powerful ideas.
McGee (Los Angeles IFC): It's essential that you always demonstrate a keen interest in your partner's work and show an awareness of issues and trends that affect the company. On your calls, in your correspondence, and during meetings, routinely bring up news items that you've read or subjects discussed in class that bear on the challenges and opportunities your partner is facing.
Segel (London IFC): Be curious; stay flexible; love to meet new people.
WHAT CAN EACH STUDENT DO INDIVIDUALLY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE RELATIONSHIP THROUGHOUT THEIR ENGAGEMENT?
Bazerman: Make your projects as excellent as they can be. Use the power of the diversity of ideas in your group to create the best project possible.
McGee: Make no mistake about it - Hollywood is a different culture and students should review the important lessons from FIELD 2 about Cultural Intelligence. Each member of the team should familiarize themselves with the very special norms and values of Hollywood. One of the best ways to do this is by reading books and viewing films about Hollywood. Before we leave for Los Angeles, you will receive a list of books and movies I recommend you dive into to prepare for our trip.
Segel: See my response above. Plus - be on time, work seriously, and have fun.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH A PARTNER COMPANY?
Bazerman: Early and often.
McGee: The most effective way to establish a rapport with your partner is through face-to-face interaction. I recommend that students arrange at least two Skype calls with their company contacts before we leave for Los Angeles. Additional voice conference calls may also be helpful. Email is useful for follow-up but should not be the primary means of communication.
Segel: Each partner company will tell you the most appropriate communications strategy.
HOW CAN STUDENTS SUCCESSFULLY BRIDGE THE TIME BETWEEN THEIR FINAL CALL AND THE IMMERSION?
Bazerman: Share the work of your Harvard group with your client on a regular basis. And, make sure that all parties are ready to thoroughly engage when you arrive in London.
McGee: Before leaving campus for the winter break, each team should get together and review their Team Launch Document, discuss whether things are on track and address any issues prior to showing up in Los Angeles. If you can't get to everything on the suggested reading/viewing list, I recommend that you set time aside to binge watch “Entourage”!
Segel: Meet as a group to get to know one another as much as you can so you can divide up work to be done. Plan your time in London as much in advance as possible and agree with your project partner on what your deliverables are.
ANY OTHER ADVICE?
Bazerman: Create an amazing project for your client. In the process, they will create an amazing experience for you.
Members of the Akiu Winery team (2016 Japan Immersive Field Course) meet with their Project Partner and community members at the Akiu Winery in Akiu, Japan.
