What are the best strategies for avoiding misunderstandings on diverse teams?

3 Use clear and simple language

A third strategy to avoid misunderstandings on a diverse team is to use clear and simple language when communicating with your team members. Language barriers can be a major source of miscommunication, especially when working with people who speak different languages or have different levels of proficiency in a common language. To avoid misunderstandings, use plain and simple words, avoid jargon, slang, idioms, or acronyms, and speak slowly and clearly. Check for understanding by asking questions, paraphrasing, or summarizing what you or others have said. Use multiple channels of communication, such as verbal, written, visual, or non-verbal, to reinforce your message. Be aware of the cultural nuances and meanings of words, gestures, expressions, or tones, and avoid using language that may be offensive, insensitive, or inappropriate.

4 Seek feedback and input

A fourth strategy to avoid misunderstandings on a diverse team is to seek feedback and input from your team members regularly. Feedback and input can help you improve your communication skills, identify and correct any misunderstandings, and build trust and rapport with your team members. Feedback and input can also help you leverage the diverse perspectives, ideas, and insights that your team members can offer, which can enhance the creativity, innovation, and quality of your work. To seek feedback and input effectively, be open and receptive to different opinions and suggestions, ask for specific and constructive feedback, acknowledge and appreciate the feedback and input you receive, and act on the feedback and input to improve your performance or behavior.

5 Celebrate diversity

A fifth strategy to avoid misunderstandings on a diverse team is to celebrate the diversity of your team and the benefits it brings. Diversity can be a source of strength, richness, and learning for your team, as well as a source of challenge, complexity, and tension. To avoid misunderstandings, focus on the positive aspects of diversity and how it can help you achieve your team goals and objectives. Recognize and appreciate the unique contributions, skills, and talents that each team member brings to the table. Share and celebrate the achievements, successes, and milestones of your team and each individual member. Create opportunities for socializing, bonding, and having fun with your team members, such as team lunches, outings, games, or celebrations. Celebrating diversity can help you create a positive and inclusive team culture, where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.

6 Learn and grow

A sixth strategy to avoid misunderstandings on a diverse team is to learn and grow from your experiences and interactions with your team members. Working on a diverse team can be a great opportunity to develop your cross-cultural communication skills, broaden your horizons, and expand your knowledge. To avoid misunderstandings, be willing to learn from your mistakes, challenges, and feedback, and reflect on how you can improve your communication and collaboration with your team members. Seek out opportunities to learn more about the cultures, languages, and backgrounds of your team members, such as reading, watching, or listening to relevant resources, attending workshops or trainings, or joining cultural clubs or groups. Learning and growing can help you become a more effective and respectful communicator, a more adaptable and flexible team player, and a more diverse and global thinker.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?