Bridge the Distance: Teamwork Hacks for a Global World
Have you ever found it challenging to communicate effectively with people from different cultures?
Introduction
As someone with a Latin American background, I have experienced firsthand the importance of understanding cultural differences when communicating with others. I have had the opportunity to work with diverse cultural backgrounds, including those from Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Through these experiences, I have learned that what might be considered polite or appropriate in one culture may not be the same in another. It’s essential to understand these nuances to avoid misunderstandings and build strong relationships. Let’s explore why it’s so important to understand different cultures and how you can get started.
The Benefits of Cross-Cultural Understanding
“The World Is Flat”: In 2005, Thomas Friedman’s book “The World Is Flat” illuminated the seismic shifts brought about by globalization. It revealed a planet interconnected by technology, where geographical boundaries blurred, and opportunities transcended borders. As communication has evolved in response to globalization — where what once took months via paper now transpires in seconds through instant messages — the tech industry recognizes that cross-cultural understanding is no longer a mere advantage but an essential skill for success in our increasingly interconnected and globalized world. With a diverse workforce and customer base spanning different cultures, languages, and regions, companies that prioritize cross-cultural understanding can gain a competitive advantage.
Some of the advantages not only for companies, but for professionals include:
- Effective Global Market Navigation: Customized products and services that cater to diverse cultural attributes can be developed.
- Strengthened Relationships and Networks: By understanding local customs, norms, and business protocols, professionals can establish stronger relationships with customers and their co-workers.
- Promoting Innovation and Creativity: Understanding the different ways team members may problem-solve can help foster a non-linear mindset.
The Challenges of Cross-Cultural Communication
Cross-cultural communication comes with its own set of challenges. Engaging with diverse cultures can be complicated due to differences in language, behavior, and expectations. To navigate these complexities successfully, one needs to have linguistic fluency and cultural empathy. These skills are essential for success in our globalized landscape. For example, if you are managing a meeting with engineers from Taiwan, France, and the USA, it is important to be well-prepared and know how to ask for feedback in a way that will be understood by everyone. As teams become more culturally diverse, miscommunications are more common. Expectations and behavioral nuances differ by country, making it difficult to know what is being said.
Takeaways for Collaboration
Here are some takeaways from my experience working in global environments:
Building trust — a cup of coffee at a time
Trust is a crucial aspect of human interactions, and its perception can vary across different cultures. While the definition of trust may vary slightly, it universally boils down to consistent, positive interactions. Here’s where the simple act of sharing a cup of coffee (or tea) can work wonders.
A Finnish friend introduced me to the concept of Fika back in college. It is a coffee break where you enjoy a cup of coffee with a sweet treat to take a break from work and connect with others. Thus showing me the powerful role that coffee (or a cup of tea) can play in bringing people together in an informal way.
Schedule informal coffee chats (virtual or in-person) with your colleagues. It is simple following this formula: Propose 2 timeslots and offer to buy the coffee. This dedicated time shows you genuinely care about understanding them. In addition to being a chance to ask questions about their culture, traditions, and work styles. This exchange of information fosters empathy and respect, the building blocks of trust. Remember that these chats are just the beginning. Listen to your colleagues’ perspectives, celebrate their achievements, and be reliable in your communication and follow-through. By consistently demonstrating these qualities, you’ll solidify trust and create a strong foundation for successful collaboration.
The balancing act of communication styles
Communication can help bridge diverse cultures. Yet, for effective cross-cultural communication to happen, there is a balance that must be done with nuance and unspoken rules. Taiwanese colleague may deliver feedback subtly and indirectly, while their French counterpart may opt for directness. If neither takes into account the other’s communication style this creates a recipe for conflict. Feedback is best received when cultural awareness is considered to change the delivery.
Early in my career, I stumbled upon a cultural landmine — one that left me reevaluating my approach to feedback. Picture this: I had just provided constructive criticism to my Taiwanese colleague, thinking I was straightforward and helpful, but their reaction caught me off guard. They found my feedback too harsh as if I’d overlooked all the positive contributions they’d made during our project delivery.
Confused, I sought advice and insight from another Taiwanese colleague. The feedback provided was valid, but the delivery mattered. In Taiwanese culture, direct negative feedback can be jarring, especially from a peer. Instead, a gradual, indirect approach is preferred. Rather than pointing out flaws all at once, it’s better to sprinkle them over time.
So, I adjusted my strategy; I learned to blend praise with constructive points. Allowing my colleague to absorb the feedback without feeling attacked. It was not about sugarcoating; it was about cultural sensitivity. Our working relationship improved, and I gained a valuable lesson: Effective feedback is not just about what you say but how you say it, especially when cultural nuances are at play.
Master asynchronous communication tools
Collaboration across different time zones can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to asynchronous communication. Unlike video calls where you can see your colleague’s reaction in real-time, exchanging messages without immediate interaction requires more thoughtfulness. However, being considerate in your communication can have a positive impact on your colleagues’ perception of you.
For instance, I used to work with colleagues from Iberia and Latam, and I always appreciated it when they would send me messages scheduled for 9 am instead of 9 pm, asking for support on a task. It made me feel valued and respected.
I have some tools in my toolbox that can help you with this.
- Slack’s “send it later” feature allows you to schedule messages to be sent at a specific time, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing your colleagues during their non-working hours.
- You can also add a second timezone on your Google calendar to have instant visibility of your colleagues’ time zone.
- You can use Timezone wizard to calculate the best time to schedule meetings across three or more time zones
- Consider adding the country’s public calendar to your calendar can help you keep an eye out for potential upcoming bank holidays in your colleagues’ country.
Conclusion
The world navigating cultural differences is no longer a choice, but a necessity. By embracing these three collaboration hacks — building trust, mastering communication styles, and utilizing asynchronous communication tools — you can bridge the distance and unlock the full potential of your global team. Remember, a little cultural awareness can go a long way in fostering a thriving, connected, and successful global work environment. So, grab a virtual cup of coffee with your teammate across the globe, and get ready to collaborate like never before! ☕️
Additional Resources for expanding
Here are some of my recommended resources to expand your cultural awareness:
- The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
- Networking Across Cultures: Strategies for Success by Aaron Hall
- Read some case studies on the Università della Svizzera italiana Intercultural Communication Case Studies page
- Research: How Cultural Differences Can Impact Global Teams
- Atlassian’s Work Life Blog: “4 Keys to Successful Cross-Cultural Collaboration”
