Building a Sense of "We": 6 Strategies for Developing Meaningful Connections Across Cultures

When it comes to building relationships, whether personal or professional, creating a robust sense of "shared-ness" is key - especially when these relationships are global in nature. Here are a few key strategies that Melissa Hahn emphasize in our new book Forging Bonds in a Global Workforce .

1. Shared Set of Interests. Discovering common ground through shared interests is a powerful way to build rapport. Use open-ended questions and conversational probes to uncover potential communalities. If you're working on a project together, don't underestimate the bonding opportunities that arise from shared observations, inside jokes, team wins, and even shared annoyances.
2. Shared Curiosity about Each Other's Culture. Demonstrating genuine, non-judgmental curiosity about someone's culture and sharing insights about your own can bridge gaps and foster understanding. Small gestures like being mindful of time zones, acknowledging cultural holidays, or seeking recommendations on food, music, or movies can showcase your cultural attunement and pave the way for deeper connections.
3. Shared Sense of Respect and Appreciation. Authentic expressions of gratitude and praise can reinforce feelings of connection. While cultures may differ in how they perceive public praise, privately acknowledging someone's contributions, admiring their work, or seeking their advice can make them feel seen, wanted, and included – all essential elements of a strong relationship.
4. Micro Expressions of Genuine Affirmation. These quick but meaningful gestures can solidify your relationship. Explicit affirmations like expressing gratitude for their presence or tagging them in a relevant post serve as implicit reminders of your connection. The key is to find genuine moments of affirmation without overdoing it.
5. Shared "Micro-Rituals." Shared rituals, such as recurring jokes, nicknames, or slang terms, can create a sense of alignment and connection. These intimate, private moments often start organically but can become part of the fabric of your relationship, strengthening ties and validating the bond through shared laughter and understanding.
6. Shared Sense of Psychological Safety. As your relationship solidifies, feeling comfortable sharing personal stories, backgrounds, or perspectives can deepen the connection. These mini-experiments in vulnerability can foster a sense of safety, allowing you to bring more of your true self to the relationship.

In the end, building meaningful connections takes time and effort, but by employing these strategies, you can create a robust sense of "shared-ness" that transcends surface-level interactions.