The Impact of Culture 8 Tips for Working Globally Kari Heistad, CEO Culture Coach International.

The Impact of Culture8 Tips for Working Globally

Kari Heistad, CEO Culture Coach International

In Asia, some parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, not making eye contact is a sign of respect.

Don’t assume that a lack of eye contact means someone is hiding something, disengaged or lying.

Tip #1: Watch Eye Contact

Tip #2: Drink Endless Cups of Tea

Take time to develop trust and personal connections

Tip #3: Skip the Cold Calling

Get personal introductions as much as possible, preferably from a trusted partner with a large network.

Tip #4: Be Formal

Don’t use first names until invited to do so.

Titles matter, use them appropriately.

Be formal in emails, phone calls and in person.

Tip #5: Yes Means I Heard You

Yes in cultures with an indirect communication style means “I heard you.”

Do not assume that a yes means a deadline will be met or that it is realistic.

Tip #6: Ask Open Ended Questions

To check for understanding ask open ended questions such as: What do you see as

challenges to meeting this deadline?

How do you see us moving forward?

Tip #7: Check Your Colors

Red China, Russia = good luck,

India = Purity South Africa = Mourning

Yellow Egypt, Burma = Mourning

Orange Ireland = Religion, protests

White China, Japan = Mourning,

India = Unhappiness

Tip #8: Know the Hierarchy

Figure out who is really the “one in charge”

Understand how important the hierarchy is to your client, what they can/cannot do.

Resources

CultureCoach.bizResource section

has lots of weblinks and resources

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