Most of us will have to navigate a variety of cultural differences during our lives, either within our own organizations or when dealing with family, clients, or suppliers located in different geographies. Cultural understanding is crucial for the success of any relationship. However, understanding goes far beyond being aware of differences. To be truly successful, we need to be open-minded, adopt, and adapt our way of being to optimize the multicultural experience.
Having built operations in South America, Europe, the U.S. and Canada, it was always important for me to learn local customs. Even though I was “the boss,” I was aware that I was always the interloper. So, I listened and learned colloquialisms and new languages, I took my social cues from others, etc. I also contributed by sharing my beliefs concerning equality, open communication, and fairness, among other things.
No matter who we are or our roles, we can all learn from the ‘best practices’ of others. There’s no monopoly on ‘right!’
Recently, when I took my youngest child to visit universities in my hometown, Montreal, I was reminded of the fascinating ways in which two cultures can blend in novel ways to strengthen bonds and promote their unique characters. Interestingly, and heretically to some in Quebec, I would argue that what I observed reflects a strengthening of Quebec culture and its uniqueness in a way that does more to promote its long-term survival than any government action ever could. Happy to debate politics, but that can happen elsewhere. 🙂
Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking province in Canada and has a long history of linguistic and cultural diversity. While touring the city, I overheard people chatting with each other. They switched effortlessly between English and French, using the most appropriate colloquialisms for each context. Their societal adaptability and communication use offer valuable insights into how businesses, in general, can overcome cultural barriers and foster successful partnerships. Montrealers have developed a remarkable ability to navigate between English and French languages and cultures, and in areas with strong Italian and Greek populations, these cultures and their languages are also often sprinkled into conversation!
However, this adaptability extends beyond simple linguistics. It involves a common understanding of the nuances, idioms, and colloquialisms specific to each language and culture.
The ability to use the appropriate colloquialisms in each language goes beyond mere language proficiency; it shows an awareness of the social norms, values, and communication styles associated with each language. By adapting their language and tone to the audience, bilingual individuals in Quebec create a sense of rapport and trust, which is essential in business relationships.
We can all learn lessons in bridging cultural differences by examining how people adapt, and using the skills in our own operations:
- Just as bilingual individuals understand the cultural nuances of their languages, businesses must develop cultural awareness skills. This involves researching and understanding the customs, values, and communication styles of the cultures they engage with. By gaining insights into the cultural context, businesses can adapt their approach and avoid misunderstandings or offensive faux pas.
- Adjust your language and communication style to suit the audience. You have to adapt their communication approach when interacting with people from different cultures. This may involve modifying the tone, formality, or directness of communication to align with cultural expectations. For example, in some cultures, such as Japan or South Korea, indirect communication and preserving harmony are highly valued, whereas in other cultures, such as Germany, a direct and blunt communication style is more common.
- Embrace flexibility and adaptability. Businesses must be open to new ideas, approaches, and ways of doing things. Nothing drives personal growth more than stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing different perspectives. By fostering a culture of flexibility and adaptability, businesses can more easily navigate the challenges of cross-cultural interactions.
- Encourage employees to learn key phrases, cultural customs, and business etiquette of the cultures they interact with can demonstrate respect and facilitate smoother interactions.
- Foster an inclusive atmosphere, businesses can tap into the strengths of a diverse workforce and enhance cross-cultural collaboration. This should be common to any business, but the benefits of breaking down cultural barriers can never be underestimated!
- Practice Active Listening—Actively listening to what’s beyond the words is critical to understanding the nuances and context of each language. In cross-cultural business interactions, active listening and empathy are essential. This involves paying attention not only to the words being spoken but also to the nonverbal cues, tone, and cultural context. By practicing active listening and empathy, businesses can better understand the needs, concerns, and perspectives of their international partners, leading to more effective communication and stronger relationships. It is so easy to offend people in a different culture with what would be considered an innocuous comment in another region. Active listening and adapting play heavily into bridging any and all gaps.
- Celebrate differences: Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, businesses should celebrate and embrace them. Embracing diversity drives innovation, enriches communication, and fosters understanding. By appreciating and valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of different cultures, businesses can create a more inclusive and innovative work environment.
Bridging cultural differences is an ongoing process. By developing cultural awareness, adapting communication styles, employing cultural liaisons, embracing flexibility and adaptability, investing in language and cultural training, fostering an inclusive work environment, practicing active listening and empathy, celebrating cultural differences, and continuously learning and adapting, businesses can effectively bridge cultural gaps and build successful international partnerships.
The ability to navigate cultural differences is not just a desirable skill; it is a necessity. Cultures evolve over time, and people and businesses must continuously learn and adapt to stay effective. Businesses need to develop the cultural competence needed to thrive in a dynamic, diverse, and interconnected world. By embracing a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation, businesses can navigate the ever-changing landscape of cultural diversity.