While the ability to communicate in international workplaces, be they real or online, can help drive innovation and creativity, these working environments also come with their own unique set of challenges – miscommunication among the biggest.
Together with online learning provider GetSmarter, we speak with tutors from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership to provide some of the essential dos and don’ts to help you save time and money when working with a group of people across a number of cultures.
DO understand that your ‘normal’ will be different to others
Depending on where you are from, you will have very specific expectations about how a meeting should progress, or the role of ‘small talk’ – and these are guaranteed to be different to those of the people you will encounter. Those from northern European countries may place a greater emphasis on punctuality, whereas in parts of South America, building a rapport is more important, for example.
Betsy Reed, Head Tutor of the Communicating for Influence and Impact course, tells us: “From my perspective, as someone who’s lived in five countries and worked on four continents, DO assume that your norms are not everyone’s – and never forget that. Do your homework and learn what cultures others in the room come from and what that might mean for their approach and expectations.
“Do think carefully about the role of ‘chat’ and informal conversation at the beginning of meetings – some cultures find it rude if you are seen to be ‘wasting time’ with talk about the weather etc, whereas other cultures think the opposite and like to invest in some small talk to build rapport,” says fellow Communicating for Influence and Impact tutor Chantal Treagar.
It’s important to allow time and devote resources to understanding these key differences, and allowing for them in discussions, thereby eliminating possible misunderstandings later on.
DON’T use slang or colloquialisms
Wherever people live, they develop their own slang and specific spin on language – it adds colour and nuance to discussion. However, that nuance can be lost, or worse, misunderstood when working with a diverse group of internationals who simply don’t have the same understanding of the language.
As Treagar states: “Don’t use jargon of any sort and definitely not colloquialisms, idioms and phrases that might cause confusion as well as risk not ensuring an inclusive culture, for example, phrases such as ‘right off the bat’; ‘throw a googly’, or ‘chuffed’. Do think carefully about the use of humour.”
“For anyone working in a culture they’re not from, simply remembering that your norms and ways of communicating are foreign to others can go a long way. Ensure clarity simply by asking if others understand what you’re asking for,” offers Reed.
DO keep an eye on the time
One thing that many people who work in international environments begin to understand is that some cultures have significantly different attitudes towards time management and punctuality than others. One person’s firm appointment might be considered an advisory to others.
This can be avoided by respecting each other’s time and ensuring that you keep to a schedule.
“Do always start meetings on time and finish them on time – some cultures are relaxed about starting a meeting on the hour or two minutes after, whereas others prefer to be on the call or in the meeting room a minute or two before the appointed time so that it starts exactly on time,” notes Treagar.
Reed says it’s important not to make people feel as if every task needs to be actioned straight away. She states: “Do respect people’s personal time – if you send a stream of emails at 10pm because that is when you happen to have time, make sure to put in the subject box ‘for action tomorrow please’ or ‘not for now but for our meeting tomorrow’ or add a first line in the text that makes it clear you are not expecting a response or work to be done between 10pm and 9am the next day. Old-fashioned values such as respect and courtesy still go a long way.”
DON’T beat yourself up if you get it wrong
Finally, it’s essential not to give up when working with a diverse group of co-workers. Everyone experiences cultural misunderstandings, and they’re an important part of learning how to work with others from around the globe.
As Reed states: “Assume there will be different cultural understandings, expectations and norms around things like making a point, asking for things, saying no to requests from those with more power, the importance of individual achievement and opinion versus collaboration and group effort.
“Be humble and be kind to yourself. Consider yourself a student and be assured that you will sometimes fail to communicate clearly, or others will, and continue improving your understanding and cross-cultural communication skills. It’s called a skill for a reason!”
Treagar supports this, telling us: “Cultural misunderstandings can be quite common – mostly out of ignorance and no ill intent. Open communication helps and a quick apology can assist if you quickly assess that something hasn’t landed well and you misread the situation, or the use of language. Ultimately, improved communication will influence productivity and help towards a greater sense of personal fulfilment and sense of achievement.”
Develop your communication skills for the global workplace
“Entire books have been written and Internet memes circulated on failures of cross-cultural communication,” says Reed. “As someone who lives in a culture and language that are not my native ones, every day is a masterclass in remembering to listen, to observe and to learn new ways of communicating effectively.”
However, there are steps you can take to develop a better understanding of cultural differences in communication, and ensure that you can communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues from around the globe, no matter where they’re from.
The Communicating for Influence and Impact online short course from GetSmarter equips international workers with all the skills and knowledge they need to avoid cross-cultural communication misunderstandings, and unite teams to work towards greater success and impact. The course is part-time, online and presented in plain English, so you can be sure that you can easily access it and fit it around your schedule.
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Also don’t mix metaphors. One throws a curveball, but bowls a googly (the difference being whether or not one’s arm is bent).
Don’t make jokes
Don’t talk about drinking or drinks, you will be considered an addict.