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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