Managing Cross Cultural Differences

This week the Wily Manager guys talk about cross-cultural differences where you might not expect to find any.  What happens when you speak the same language, and then assume there aren’t any cultural differences in how you work?  Join us this week to find out.

Monday’s Tip: Watch for the cues. Just knowing someone is from another country is your first cue to look for things that might be different.  Remember that we are all products (and sometimes victims) of our personal histories.

Tuesday’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to talk about differences.  Do not hesitate to ask intelligent and sensitive questions about how things may be handled in a different culture.  These conversations are only off-limits when they are managed poorly.

Wednesday’s Tip: Don’t make assumptions. Just because someone looks and sounds like you, does not mean they will see the world the way you do.  The invisible culture gap between similar countries makes this even harder.  Also, don’t allow yourself to think “Canadians always to this, and Australians always do that.”

Thursday’s Tip: Don’t wait to cross borders to practice cross cultural skills. You don’t have to work internationally to need cross-cultural skills.  It is quite likely you have someone from another culture working with you now.

Friday’s Tip: Be tolerant. Do not allow yourself to fall into the “they are here now, so they should act like us” trap.  You can make life far easier on all concerned if you practise some tolerance for cultural norms that are different than what you are used to.