Intercultural communication can be distinguished into several aspects of understanding, and the main concern would be the language used as a vehicle of getting a message through one another. It would be a very interesting and educational experience to experience the different means of communication used in a certain culture to reach a level of understanding whether it is done verbally or through gesture. By understanding other people’s culture and communication style or behavior, one can go a long way in improving relationships and being more successful in this intercultural business.
There are many books, which are rich in contents and experience with various communities in this global intercultural business. But for one to understand and comprehend them within a short period of time would be impossible. Hence there are a few basic principles that we can abide in intercultural communication area, so as to not provoke cultural misunderstanding in this multi cultural environment. These tips are drops of concentrated experience collected by intercultural experts as a basic insight in dealing more effectively with people and to not let culture become an issue in communication.
The most important aspect for better understanding each other’s culture would be, to be patient. “Patience is virtue” take it seriously; as in this intercultural business it can be a very frustrating affair. In a working business environment patience with oneself and others would help move beyond such issues and address how to avoid similar incidents in the future.
In all the living things in this world there is a mutual understanding of communication that cannot be explain with mere verbal language and that would be “respect”. As respect is the foundational pillar in building a successful business and it also applies for intercultural differences. Respect introduces bi-directional understanding of each other creating a more promising and fruitful relationships in the process. For example when a person smiles at you, you would smile back as a gesture of respect.
The most common mistakes when coming face to face with intercultural communication clashes would be the “blame”. Instead of finding the blame, sit down together and identify the problem areas between our intercultural business partners. Work as a team to create new business strategies to ensure the same intercultural business problem won’t occur again by establishing a more professional approach in such issue.
A good intercultural communication tool is to look yourself in the mirror every morning and ask yourself am I a better person today? Having a habit of self-reflecting would improve individual communication, management and motivational style, as you identify intercultural flaws more often than others in this multicultural business; and for that you deserve the success.
By sticking to the above tips which can be observe in a universal manner, you’ve develop a respect for intercultural communication hence unconsciously strengthening the connection between you and your colleagues or business partners. This would ultimately lead you to achieving your goals and dreams in running a successful intercultural business that would dominate any global market.
By: Neil Payne
About the Author:
Neil Payne is Managing Director at the London based consultancy Kwintessential. For more information on their services please visit Intercultural Communication or Translation Company
