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
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ReplyDeleteHi Corn,
ReplyDeleteThe 4 Tips u had written is quite useful and i quite agree with it, but i think there still more tips that can be added. I would like to add one more tips:
As much as possible,use words not gesture to express meaning. Gesture that are acceptable in our culture may be offensive or meaningless to other culture.For example, a person shows a hand sign that is bad if define by other culture and get slap, but actually the person meant was other non-bad things by showing the hand sign.
In the end,I am looking forward to see your next post.
Hi Corn,
ReplyDeleteOnce again your post is very interesting with interesting pictures.Too many words would make the post dull so your addition of a picture really makes your blog nice.I like the way your list out your points using short and simple sentences.Just one point you can improve on is you did not mention the relevance or cultural differences with teamwork.Maybe you can add on some points about it.Overall,your post is simple and short.Good job and keep up the good work.
Joon Wai.
Hi Cornelius,
ReplyDeleteYour second point about rephrasing is a new one. I remember an instance when I was dining with an American family when someone offered me a dish by saying "Care for some?". I found it quite offensive because I thought the person is offering it in a very uninterested manner. However, noticing my surprised face, that person quickly rephrased it to "Would you like to have some?" I then realised that Americans use "care for?" just as we use "would you like?". Paraphrasing is important when we are using phrases which may not be common in other countries.
By the way, the hand signal in your picture means 'very good' in India. However, I think OK is the most widely accepted meaning of the sign worldwide.
Your post is well written, with clear flow of ideas. Keep it up!
Anuj
Hey Cornelius,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! The 4 tips cover the most important aspects of communicating with people of different cultures. Another fairly distinctive characteristic of culture is the presence of slangs. Take Singapore, for instance. The merge of various races and unique cultures have created a 'Singapore culture', though some might argue that such Singaporean practices cannot be considered an individual culture. Singlish phrases such as 'lah' and 'leh' are widely used amongst the common people. However, the slipshod attitude that usually accompanies the use of these phrases may be offensive, or simply puzzling to our Western counterparts.
Your picture is a brilliant example for this topic. :)
-Anni
Hey Cornelious,
ReplyDeleteTo start off, i would like to mention that it was an absolute joy to read your post. Very nicely structured, with the use of point form to deliver your message. Good job!
With respect to your first point, i believe that if everyone manages to accomplish this point, there would be a lot less cultural conflicts in the world. Clarifying any doubts with the opposite party not only gives yourself a clearer picture, but at the same time, it lets the other party know that you are at least attempting to step out of your own comfort zone to take the first initiative and ask questions.
Regarding your conclusion, i agree that no doubt at the end of the day, all humans have the basic needs and wants. But sometimes how they go about achieving those needs and wants are clearly different, and such difference have proved to be a source of conflict since the start of mankind. Hence, knowing what to do when faced with such differences is definitely a must for humans to progress.