3 Myths of Cultural Adaptation

Welcome back to my LinkedIn newsletter where I share tips, ideas, and strategies to help you become more effective in business and life.

If we haven't been acquainted yet, I’m a professor of organizational and cross-cultural psychology, a book author, HBR contributor, and consultant. I also work closely with coaches, trainers, consultants and teachers to certify them in my Global Dexterity Method.

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In today’s newsletter, I’m sharing some thoughts about cultural adaptation, which is one of my favorite topics.

The workplace has never been more global as it is today. But I find that people still fall prey to common myths that limit global flexibility and effectiveness.

Myth 1: Learning about cultural differences is the key to success.

Learning about cultural differences is important - there's no doubt. It's important to note that in Germany, you tend to give feedback that's direct and to the point, and that they don't particularly appreciate the softer American-style "sandwich approach." Or that subordinates speak to authority figures with much more deference and politeness in Japan, China and Korea than they do in Israel, Canada, or the US. But cultural awareness alone isn't going to get you very far. It's not going to build that relationship, seal the deal with a customer, or lead that meeting. What's critical when crossing cultures is the ability to adapt and adjust your behavior in light of the differences that exist. Global dexterity is what matters most, not simply cultural awareness.

Myth 2: The way to succeed across cultures is to avoid faux pas.

Makes sense, right? When you're accepting a business card in Japan, you don't want to quickly stick it in your pocket - or, heaven forbid, write anything on it. But at the same time, if you focus exclusively on differences, you miss the big opportunity of crossing cultures -- which is finding commonalities. In the end, the way to truly build relationships and trust across cultures is to find similarities... what you have in common -- that you and your colleague both have young children, or that you both enjoy Mexican food, for example, rather than how you are different. So, be aware of differences, but don't become overly obsessed with them.

Myth 3: When in Rome act like the Romans.

The saying comes from ancient days - in the time of St. Augustine - when it was essential to conform local religious customs (such as fasting on particular days) when traveling to different parts of Europe. Now there's clearly nothing wrong about being appropriate in a foreign culture - we all want that. But you also want to feel authentic to who you are. Find a way to create a blend or a mix between your own personality and customs and what is expected in the new culture.

Cultural adaptation takes effort. But it's also not rocket science. Avoid these myths, and you'll be on well on your way to a successful global career.