Cross-Cultural Awareness: How to Keep Toxic Behaviors At Bay

According to a recent survey of corporate executives, over 83 percent of small-to-mid-size business in the United States list overseas expansion as their top priority. Ninety-five percent of those polled report plans to have at least two international clients in the next three years.

With those statistics, it’s obvious that businesses throughout the world are placing global expansion as a priority in today’s marketplace, highlighting the need for cross-cultural understanding at all levels. But how do we avoid being insensitive or disrespectful when dealing with people who have different cultural beliefs from our own? And how do we ensure that we keep toxic behaviors out of these relationships?

The first thing to remember is that understanding other cultures enables you to demonstrate respect - the foundation of every good, lasting relationship. Plus, it can help avoid miscommunication, which can be both financially and professionally damaging to individuals and organizations.

As you navigate these differences, here are some tips to help you succeed across the global marketplace by improving your cross-cultural communication skills:

Be aware of your own cultural lens: No matter how culturally evolved or aware you think you may be, you might have some subtle cultural boundaries or ideas about people from other countries that may or may not be accurate. This is where it’s crucial to never generalize people of different cultures and to change your mind about preconceived stereotypes. As you learn to become more mindful of letting go of preconceptions, you will remain open and receptive to new customs. Most important, try not to judge the cultures and customs of your host country until you understand a situation from the other side of the table.

Avoid being on cultural cruise control: Thinking you are culturally aware and being culturally aware often prove to be disconnected. Knowing the customs of your host are always important but be aware of unexpected curveballs or situations that may come your way.

Avoid triggering the other person’s cultural immune system: As cognizant as you may be about your host’s customs and culture, you may accidentally offend someone with other native habits and behaviors that you never knew could be deemed offensive. By being mindful of even the most seemingly innocuous of behaviors, you will show ultimate respect across the board.

Know your audience: Brief yourself on the history and culture of your host country as much as possible. When there are similarities across cultures, share that information to bring about a higher level of mutual respect.

Accept that cross-cultural situations are complex: Because communication and business customs vary from country to country, you have to go into the deal knowing that negotiations can be far more complex than in your native country. You should be prepared for higher levels of ambiguity and show respect and flexibility in all business concerns.

Learn to watch and listen: When doing business with international clients, always be sure to pay attention to the impact your behavior has on the other person. There are often subtle clues that will alert you as to how the meeting is going. By being a good listener and observer, you can become a more effective negotiator.

Trust the process: When you are mindful of building trust with your international colleague or prospect, your positive intentions help build a long lasting relationship. For example, business deals are done on a much slower pace in other countries outside of the United States and when you state your intentions clearly and with good measure, you have a greater opportunity for success.

Speaking the same language: Perhaps the easiest and most obvious way to effectively communicate with an international client or colleague is the ability to speak their language. You may not have to become fluent, but try to at least learn words, phrases and greetings of your host’s native tongue. You should also take the time to learn about body language and how it varies from culture to culture. Humans have more than 700,000 forms of body language in our diverse world and body parts – from head to toes – and they sometimes have vastly different meanings from one country to the next. 

While understanding and appreciating different cultures may seem like a nice-to-have soft skill set, the hard truth is that clearer communications, stronger relationships, and deepening trust of those different from us have rewards that extend well beyond the bottom line.