It's important for anyone in a culturally diverse work environment to know how to work effectively with different cultures.Immigration, technological advances and the emergence of global virtual work teams expose workers to other cultures.Cultural variations in the workplace can range from simple regional differences to different perspectives on timeliness, productivity, and communication.There are a number of steps you can take to work effectively with people from different cultures.
Step 1: Become aware of your own self-awareness.
It can be difficult to work with someone from a different culture.You will find the experience rewarding, even if you encounter some challenges.Put yourself in the right frame of mind is the first step.Become more aware of your words and actions.It's possible that you aren't a cultural norm to another person.Before giving someone a high five or a pat on the back, think about your actions.Is touching in the workplace appropriate based on what you know about that culture?A good rule of thumb is to take a moment to think about what you're saying.Is what you're about to say offensive?If that is the case, figure out a way to rephrase.
Step 2: Practice patience.
It may take some time to get used to working with people from different cultures.Don't worry, that's normal.It probably took you some time to get to know your co-workers.If communication takes a little extra effort, try not to get upset.Maybe you are working with someone whose first language is not English.If they don't understand your point, try to treat it as a learning experience.I can see that I'm not making myself clear.How can we get on the same page?Be patient with yourself as well.It may take you some time to get used to working with other people.
Step 3: Use humor to make people laugh.
It can be intimidating for someone from a different culture to work in a new environment.The initial meeting can feel awkward if you are on a conference call or traveling to meet someone face to face.Don't be afraid to lighten the mood.It's good to ease tension in the workplace with humor.It can make people feel more connected to each other.Different people have different senses of humor.Make sure you don't make a joke that is offensive.You can make a joke about something.If it's raining, you can say, "Nice day, isn't it?"It may not be the most original comment, but it can lighten the mood.
Step 4: You can look at issues from a different perspective.
Not everyone will come at a discussion from the same angle.When working with people from different cultures, there is a difference in perspective.Don't think that you are all looking at the same issue.What important terms mean to each person?In a meeting, you could ask, "What does efficiency mean to you?"If you have a different understanding of the process or outcomes, you might think you're working with the same goals.Any issues can be resolved with a simple question.Take some time to reflect after someone explains their perspective.If you look at an issue from a different perspective, you can find solutions that you might not have considered.
Step 5: Accept that there are differences.
You are open to differences if you choose the right frame of mind.If you know that people have different customs than you, it will be easier to accept them.It's expected that people from different cultures will work differently than you.There will likely be differences in communication styles.The word "yes" in some cultures means "I'm in agreement.""I heard you" is what the word "yes" means to others.Accept that there might be differences.A face to face conversation might be the norm in some cultures.Writing may be more appropriate for other people.You should be willing to adapt to differences.In order to make the work relationship more constructive, you might need to change some of your habits.
Step 6: Do research on different cultures.
Maybe your company has expanded.It is possible that you will find yourself working with team members from other cultures.Make these relationships stronger by taking some time.It's a good idea to spend time learning about other cultures.If you are going to be working closely with your Japan office, you should study up on Japanese work decorum.If there are any resources available, ask your Human Resources department.They might be able to point you in the right direction.You can go to the local library.You can get a good overview of the culture you're learning about by looking at references.
Step 7: Be prepared to make mistakes.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes.You might not speak up and share your ideas if you're overly anxious.You will not be able to connect with your new co-workers or clients.It's a good idea to know that mistakes might happen.It is possible to accidentally eat your food at a client lunch.Don't do it and apologize.These things happen when you are learning something new."I apologize."Don't make the same mistake twice.
Step 8: Become an ally.
Some of your colleagues are not comfortable working with people from different cultures.That can cause stress in the workplace.To be an ally for those from other cultures, build good relationships with people.Showing that discrimination will not be accepted is one of the most effective ways to be an ally.If someone is saying something offensive, stand up for them.One of your co-workers might make an offensive comment about how your new clients from the Middle East dress.Make it clear that that type of talk is not acceptable."Just because these people dress differently, that doesn't mean they're wrong or less than us," you can say.Let's be respectful.
Step 9: Get to know people.
You can find new ways to strengthen your relationship when you take time to get to know someone.Building individual relationships requires some effort.Your work life will be enjoyable.People should not be lumped together in a group." Those Australians don't have the same work hours that we do" is a general comment that should be avoided."I need to talk to Anna and Steve about how we can resolve this issue."A great way to show respect is to think of people as individuals.
Step 10: Make something happen.
It might be hard to get used to working with new people.If you have any communication barriers, this can be difficult.That doesn't mean that it's not worth it.Try to make them feel welcome.Say, "I noticed you bring your lunch."So do I.Would you like to go to the park and eat together tomorrow?You can find other ways to make an effort if you are the newcomer.If you're in a new office, you can ask about customs and traditions.You can say, "I noticed that you all support different football teams."Can you tell me more about the sport?
Step 11: There are stories to be listened to.
Hearing personal anecdotes is one of the best ways to learn about a new culture.Ask your co-workers or clients to tell you stories.Listen with an open mind.Maybe you have new clients from South Africa.They can tell you what life is like there.You can ask, "What do you do for fun after work?"You can give examples of your own experiences.A great way to form bonds is listening to stories.You'll find more similarities than you expected when you learn something new.
Step 12: Ask what you need to ask.
You will be able to work with people from different cultures if you learn to communicate better.Asking questions is one of the most important components of effective communication.A good way to get to know people is by asking questions.Ask a question if something isn't clear.You could say, "I noticed that people in this office bow to one another in greeting."Is that something I should do as well?Ask open-ended questions.Instead of asking, "Am I doing this right?"Try asking, "How can I improve my performance?"You will get a more in-depth answer.Carefully listen to the answer.Try to retain the information when you ask a question.
Step 13: Be kind.
It might take a while to learn to work with new people.Make it clear that you are working hard.Make it clear that you want to improve your communications.Do something that shows you are trying.Say hello to someone from a different culture in their language.People will appreciate a gesture like that.It won't take a lot of work on your part.There is a smile.This generally means the same thing in most cultures.Take time to think.If you've had trouble communicating, it's a good idea to ask yourself where it happened.Try to improve tomorrow.