Observation of team behavior regarding intercultural and/or interpersonal communication

My second post is on team behavior, taking into consideration that the team members might not have the same background or cultures. What exactly is culture? In general, it is a shared or learned system of values, beliefs and attitudes that a certain group of people adhere to.

An observation that i have noted is that some team members might be more outspoken while others might be more reserved. This can be due to their character, but sometimes it can be also be because of differences in culture. For example, in some western cultures, members are encouraged to be more verbally expressive, often voicing out their displeasure if they have any. While on the other hand, eastern cultures tend to be more composed, using facial or hand gestures instead of speaking. As a result, one party finds it too noisy while the other finds it too quiet. This can be overcome if each sides takes the effort to learn more about the others culture.

So how then can we work effectively with teammates of different cultures? Here are some tips that I hope will prove useful:

1. Ask questions
This might seem very basic, but it is the most effective way of getting to know a person's culture is by asking him/her. Many people do not want to reveal how little they know about other cultures, so they refrain from asking questions. But by asking, you show interest and consideration which helps to build a better relationship. People are also more willing to look past cultural blunders if they know you are trying to learn.

2. Remember that the language spoken might not be the other party's main language.
Speak clearly and listen carefully if the other party has difficulty with the language. Learning to rephrase ideas also helps with communication.

3. Address confusion in working styles immediately.
Different cultures have different working styles, accept the approach that is used within the team and focus your strength within that approach.

4. There is no such thing as a "superior" culture.
Have an open mind and be willing to try another culture's approach.

To end off, I would just like to add that people from different cultures are all basically humans. We are all human beings with the same basic wants and needs; we laugh, we cry and feel anger as well. Sometimes we try to fit a person into a cultural mold and more often then not, they do not fit. We should be careful not to attribute too much of what a person is from culture alone, but rather, judge a person by his actions instead. Most importantly, remember that we are working for the same goal and it is not about you versus them or one culture versus another.

Regards
Corn

First Post for CG1413

Hi, this is my first post for CG1413 on the topic "Why is communication important and what does it mean to me". Feel free to comment on it and hopefully we can all improve on our writing skills :)

Communication basically is the process of transferring information from one party to another. The means by which people communicate has evolved throughout the ages. From smoke signals used by the native Americans, to phones and the internet today. Communication is direct in most cases, but it can be subtle like the use of body language to convey certain emotions.

Communication allows us to interact with other members of our society. Being able to convey and understand the intentions of others, have allowed people to work together towards a common goal, thus forming the society we live in today. Without proper communication, even a team made up of extremely talented people is not guaranteed success as there is no focus and teamwork. Each individual might do what he thinks is best but that might not be what the group needs. Communication might be so fundamental, but yet so important.

Wars could have been avoided if there was better communication. For example, the cold war could have been avoided if both sides had not decided that the other was impossible and just stopped talking to each other. It was only when President Kennedy reopened communication that a nuclear fallout was narrowly avoided. Fears of communication difficulties also lead to the introduction of the first hotline between the US and USSR. This formed a direct link between the two superpowers and allowed them to more easily discuss future military actions and political maneuvering.

To me, communication is a process of life-long learning. There is no one who has mastered the art of communication completely and only through continued practice can we hope to become a better communicator.

Regards
Corn