Outspoken Communication, Sabine Egeraat: Engaging your opponent
The Magic of Intercultural Communication to Achieve ......• Communication Styles and Patterns...
Transcript of The Magic of Intercultural Communication to Achieve ......• Communication Styles and Patterns...
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The Magic of Intercultural Communication to
Achieve Project Success
Yawen Brown
September 19, 2016
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Introduction
Yawen Brown
18 Years of Experience in Technology
Currently:
Senior Project Manager, Kansas City Southern
PMI Kansas City Mid-America Chapter
PMI Global Technology Advisory Group
PMI Global Leadership Institute Alumni
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Introduction
Kansas City
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Culture
• What is culture?
– “The beliefs, customs, behaviors, arts, etc., of a particular society,
group, place, or time”
– “A way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or
organization (such as a business)”
Source: merriam-webster.com
Example: The School That Turned Chinese:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYGxAwRUpaI
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What Does This Mean?
Be open to the world… This is to understand the local subtleties.
Alarm Clock Animal Fighting
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What Contributes To Cultural Differences?
Country
Region
Company
Family
Personal
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Common Challenges of Culturally Diverse Team
• Miscommunications
• Lack of understanding of each other’s culture
• Making assumptions based on common cultural identity
• Expecting others to adapt
• Not fully engaging all members of the team
Video for Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDq9-QxvsNU
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Cultural Intelligence – Fun Fact
What the British say:
“That is a very brave
proposal.”
What they really mean:
“You are insane.”
What others think:
“That’s great. They like it.”
Data Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/sungardas/2014/08/14/lost-in-translation-overcoming-the-language-
barrier-as-a-brit-in-america/#662ea0e95c43
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Cultural Intelligence
Know
Aware
Learn
Adapt
An outsider’s natural ability to understand others’ unfamiliar gestures /
behaviors!
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Cultural Intelligence – Business Etiquette
• Greetings
• Use of Language
• Research
• Be Open Minded
Know/Aware
Learn/Adapt
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Cultural Intelligence – Business Etiquette
• Meeting Management
Time & Sense of Urgency
Participation Norms
Small Talks / Conversations
• Set Expectation (i.e. Pre-meeting)
• Use Meeting Agenda
• Clarify Action Items
Know/Aware
Learn/Adapt
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Cultural Intelligence – Communications
• Communication Styles and Patterns
Outspoken vs. Soft-spoken
High vs. Low Context
Direct vs. Indirect
Body Language & Showing Emotions
Face to face, verbal or written
• Clarify to Avoid Misunderstanding
• Confirm: What I Hear = What You Said
• Does YES really mean agreement?
• Surface Disagreements
• Set Protocol: Ask for Communication Preference
Know/Aware
Learn/Adapt
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Cultural Intelligence - Life Style
• Work, Family, Social Habits
Work Hours
Holidays
Differences in Priority
Know/Aware
Learn/Adapt
• Understand the different way of living and priorities
• Show respect
• Establish connection
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Cultural Intelligence – Bring It All Together
• Be flexible
• Set the expectation
• Find the common ground
• Make the connection
• Encourage participation
• Establish clear communication protocol
• Ask questions and surface disagreements
• Give timely feedback
Learn/Adapt