How to Work With Different Cultures
Working effectively with different cultures is a necessary skill for anyone in a culturally diverse work environment. Cultural variations in the workplace may range from simple regional differences, such as varying dialects, to different perspectives on timeliness, productivity, and communication.
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Be aware of your words and actions. What seems appropriate to you may not be a cultural standard to another person. Before you give someone at work a high five or a pat on the back, take a moment to consider your actions. Based on what you know about that culture, is touching in the workplace appropriate?Is what you're about to say possibly rude? If so, figure out a way to rephrase.
Practice patience. It may take a while for you to get used to working with people from different cultures. Don't worry, that's normal. Try not to get angry if communication takes a little extra effort at first. For example, maybe you are now working with someone whose first language is not your mother tongue. In this case, they might not understand your point.Try saying, "Ok, I can see I'm not making myself clear. How can I help us get on the same page?"
Look at issues from a different perspective. Don't assume that you are all looking at the issue from the same angle. It's possible that you might think you're working with the same goals in mind, but that you have a different understanding of the processor outcomes.Looking at an issue from another perspective can help you find solutions that you might not have considered.
But if you put yourself in the right frame of mind, you will likely find it a rewarding experience despite some challenges.
A. An important strategy is asking questions.
B. A good rule is to consider your words before you speak.
C. Learning to communicate better helps you work with people.
D. There are suggestions for you to work with different cultures.
E. Once someone explains their viewpoint, take some time to reflect
F. Instead of getting impatient, try to treat it as a learning experience.
G. If you've never worked with different cultures before, it can be difficult.
