Work on becoming more aware of your words and actions. What seems appropriate to you may not be a cultural norm 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? A good rule of thumb is to take a moment to consider your words before you speak. Is what you’re about to say possibly offensive? If so, figure out a way to rephrase.
Try not to get irritated if communication takes a little extra effort at first. For example, maybe you are now working with someone whose first language is not English. Instead of getting impatient if they don’t understand your point, try to treat it as a learning experience. Try saying, “Ok, I can see I’m not making myself clear. How can I help us get on the same page?” Be patient with yourself, too. It may take you some time to adjust to working with your new co-workers or clients, and that is ok.
Humor is an excellent way to ease tension in the workplace. It can serve as a way to make people feel comfortable and even more connected to each other. Remember that different people have different senses of humor. Before making a joke, try to make sure that it won’t be construed as offensive. You can try making a lighthearted joke about something situational. For example, if it’s a nasty, rainy day, you can jokingly say, “Lovely day, isn’t it?” It may not be the most original comment, but things like that can lighten the mood.
Clarify what important terms mean to each individual. For example, in a meeting you could ask, “What does efficiency mean to you?” 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 process or outcomes. A simple question can help resolve any issues. Once someone explains their perspective, take some time to reflect. Looking at an issue from an alternate perspective can help you find solutions that you might not have considered.
Be aware that there will likely be differences in communication styles. For example, in some cultures the word “yes” means, “Certainly, I’m in agreement. " To others, the word “yes” can mean, “I heard you. " Accept that there might be differences in addressing conflict. In some cultures, a face to face conversation might be the norm. For other people, written communication might be more appropriate. When you encounter differences, be willing to be adaptable. You might need to alter some of your habits in order to make the work relationship more constructive.
Spend time learning about other cultures. For example, if you are going to be working closely with your Japan office, study up on Japanese work etiquette. Ask your Human Resources department if they have any resources available. They might be able to direct you towards a helpful website. Head to the local library. The resource librarian can direct you towards references that can give you a solid overview of the culture you’re learning about.
Just know that mistakes might happen. You might accidentally try to eat your food incorrectly at a client lunch, for example. Laugh it off and apologize. These things happen when you are learning new cultural norms. Say a sincere, “I apologize. " Then remember your mistake and don’t make the same one twice.
One of the most effective ways to be an ally is to show that discrimination will not be tolerated. Stand up for people if someone is saying or doing something offensive. For example, maybe one of your co-workers makes an offensive comment about the way your new clients from the Middle East dress. Make it clear that that sort of talk is not acceptable. You can say something like, “You know, just because these people dress differently, that doesn’t make them wrong or somehow less than us. Let’s be respectful, ok?”
Don’t lump people together in a group. For example, avoid making general comments such as, “Those Australians don’t have the same work hours that we do. " Instead, say, “I need to talk to Anna and Steve about how we can resolve this issue. " Thinking of people as individuals is a great way to show respect and build relationships.
Try to make any newcomers feel welcome. Try saying, “I noticed you bring your lunch. So do I. Do you want to go to the park and eat together tomorrow?” If you are the newcomer, you can find other ways to make an effort. For example, if you’re in a new office, you can ask about customs and traditions. For example, you can say, “I noticed that you all seem to support different football teams. Can you tell me a little more about the sport?”
Perhaps you have some new clients from South Africa. You can ask them to tell you stories about what life is like there. You can say something like, “What do you typically do for fun after work?” Then you can offer examples of your own experiences. Listening to stories is a great way to form bonds. You’ll learn something new, and likely find more commonalities than you expected.
If something is unclear, just ask a question. For example, you could say, “I noticed that people in this office bow to one another in greeting. Is that something I should do, also?” Try asking open-ended questions. For example, instead of saying, “Am I doing this right?”, try asking, “How can I improve my performance?” You’ll get a more informative answer. Listen carefully to the answer. When you ask a question, pay attention to the response and try to retain the information.
Do something that indicates you are trying. For example, try greeting someone from a different culture in their language. Most people will appreciate a gesture like that. It won’t take much work on your part, but it indicates your sincerity. Smile. This generally means that same thing in most cultures. Take time to reflect. If you have had trouble communicating, spend some time asking yourself where the breakdown occurred. Then try to improve tomorrow. [6] X Research source
