You’re about to work with a team from a different culture. How can you avoid misunderstandings?

2 Choose the right tools

Technology can be a great enabler of cross-cultural communication, but it can also create barriers. You need to choose the right tools for your team, depending on their needs, preferences, and access. For example, some cultures may prefer video calls over text messages, while others may find them intrusive or impractical. Some tools may not work well in certain regions or devices, or may have different meanings or implications. You should consult your team members on what tools they use and how they use them, and agree on a common platform and protocol.

3 Adapt your style

Different cultures may have different communication styles, such as direct or indirect, formal or informal, high-context or low-context, and so on. You need to adapt your style to suit your team's expectations and preferences. For example, some cultures may value clarity, brevity, and assertiveness, while others may value politeness, subtlety, and harmony. Some cultures may rely more on non-verbal cues, such as tone, gestures, and facial expressions, while others may focus more on words and logic. You should observe and mirror your team's style, and avoid using slang, idioms, jargon, or humor that could be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

4 Be respectful and open-minded

One of the most important aspects of cross-cultural communication is respect. You should respect your team's culture, opinions, and perspectives, even if they differ from yours. You should also be open-minded and curious, and try to learn from your team's diversity and experience. You should avoid imposing your own values or norms on your team, or making negative or critical comments about their culture. You should also acknowledge and apologize for any mistakes or misunderstandings that may occur, and seek feedback and clarification.

5 Build rapport and trust

Finally, you should try to build rapport and trust with your team, as this will enhance your communication and collaboration. You can do this by showing interest and appreciation for your team's culture, achievements, and challenges. You can also share some personal information and stories, and invite your team to do the same. You can also celebrate your team's successes and milestones, and support them in times of difficulty. You should also communicate regularly and consistently, and follow through on your commitments and promises.

6 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?