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When we talk of cultural differences it doesn’t necessarily mean between countries or nations. It can also mean between different parts of your own country.
For example, India, where a huge country with different kinds of people, different cultures depending on whether you’re in the north or the south or east or the west.
In today’s business world, you are bound to encounter colleagues and clients from different backgrounds whether in your own country or internationally.
The exposure to other experiences and perspectives can be enriching, but it can also be challenging to work together effectively.
While it’s important to avoid stereotyping, there are some common situations you can prepare for.
Review these ideas as you think about how to bridge cultural differences in your workplace.
Additional Resources
In the story that I shared about my Japanese colleague and the Leadership Course, things might have worked out differently if everyone had demonstrated Social Intelligence.
That too is important for reducing cultural differences both in the workplace and in our private lives.
Learn more about my recommended resource with this post here or on the image below.
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Vatsala, this is a needed perspective in today’s world. While it can be enriching and fun to meet new people, that cultural difference also needs to be seeped in respect for the differences….which I feel is lacking in the world today. For the most part, its not that hard, but yet some experiences leave us wondering.
I agree with everything you’ve observed Zeenat. We need to be open to others customs, traditions, norms and respect them even if we don’t understand them. Thank you for adding to the conversation.
Many years ago, when I was working as an editor in a corporate environment, I attended a meeting that had to do with the cultural differences we might encounter with our clients. As an editor at the time, we used red ink pens for marking, and I remember how surprised I was to learn that use of the red ink had a completely different meaning in some cultures than what we were intending by our use of red ink marks. My suggestion for bridging cultural differences in the business world with ease would first be to create an awareness. I never forgot the meeting we had — it was an eye-opener to me. So I would stress awareness/education and from that I believe would come acceptance.
Thank you for sharing your experience and recommendations, Barb. Sometimes its the small things that can make the biggest difference in how we are seen by others from a different culture.
American has always been know as a “melting pot” of every ethnic and racial background and, growing up in New York City, that was always a point of pride and acceptance in others. I was always eager to learn about how others saw the world, even in business, and it wasn’t until I moved out of state that I encountered people putting stereotypes on others because of their ethnic identity.
I can relate. I think when one lives in a cosmopolitan area, we are more accustomed to people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds but not so much as we move away to other areas. That’s when the danger of stereotype mindsets starts which is dangerous.
Thanks for sharing your experience and observations, Barb.
A timely and insightful post given everything that’s going on in the world today. Lots of thought-provoking yet practical suggestions that I can implement immediately. Thank you Vatsala
You’re welcome Debra. Bridging a cultural difference doesn’t need to be rocket science. It just requires a keen mind that wants to learn and demonstrate sensitivity to others.