Myths and Realities of Crossing Cultures

Hi there!

Just a quick note before we talk about myths and realities. We're opening up our Spring Global Dexterity Certification program and would love to have you consider joining us! I invite you join our free webinar Wednesday, March 27th at 12:30 ET/18:30 CET to learn more.

We've had more than 70 participants participate in the program from all over the world and if you would like to hear from a few of them, have a look here at some video testimonials. It's a great program and experience. I hope you'll consider joining us!

OK - now onto the myths.

To be honest, I have many more myths as well to share!

But in the interest of time, here are a few to consider:

Myth #1: The country a person comes from is the main driver of their values, behaviors, and beliefs.

Reality: Many factors beyond national culture influence a person’s values, behaviors, and beliefs. People are influenced by their cultural background but are also able to creatively adapt and adjust their behavior in a new culture.

Myth #2: Building relationships in a foreign culture is mainly about avoiding mistakes.??

Reality: Building relationships in another culture is about building a sense of trust and rapport so that mistakes don’t matter as much (and can even be learning opportunities).

?Myth #3: Being effective in a foreign culture is about adjusting to that culture’s norms for behavior, i.e, “When in Rome, act Like the Romans.”

Reality: Being effective in a foreign culture is about creating a blend or hybrid between your own style and that new culture’s norms — something that fits you and fits the situation you’re in.

Do you have any myths you've noticed about crossing cultures? Share in the comments below!