A Simple Way to Develop Cross-Cultural Communication Skills:

“The beginning of multiculturalism is when you develop the ability to identify people from a different country using their own standards.” (1)

Doesn’t this sound complicate? Truly German, you might say. And at this point you are sensing cultural differences.

The demand for cultural sensitivity is increasing. With companies balancing being local but operating across borders it is becoming more and more difficult to embrace company core values and diversity of cultures we are working with.

Like it or not, but relevant authors have a common understanding about developing cross-cultural competency: It is about learning to understand your own values and restrictions and then experience the differences. All carried by a willingness to progress in educating yourself, stay open and learn about others.

Manager in global companies are constantly expanding their experience. They are working with a diverse team on a regular basis. Their knowledge in leading teams towards success is improving on a daily basis. The question results in: “Why it is still difficult for managers to recognize cultural landmines before they materialize”. It causes frustration and very often leaves a manager ending their international assignment earlier than anticipated.

The opening sentence sums it up: Beginning to realize how cultural differences can influence communication, means taking the first step. Applying what you’ve read or learned though doesn’t compare to using a mathematical tableau - you are entering the fields of soft skills once again.

I found raising attentiveness the most important step to support managers as well as other individuals. It opens up new (or even already experienced) perspectives and eliminates the “not knowing what you don’t know”. Using examples and “real life” situations offers a perfect basis improving your sensitivity for daily communication and finally enhancing your understanding.

With this blog I will present examples of situations which occurred during day-to-day business within teams or in a private setting. It will simply show how to be responsive of cultural misunderstandings that are repeatedly overlooked.

What example do you think would be a fit?
What cross-cultural land mine do you think did you experience in the past?

Email to Coaching@Christine-Klisch.com or post as a comment.

To your cross-cultural success,
Christine Klisch

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(1) 2005 Geert Hofstede, BV, “Cultures and Organizations – Software of the Mind”