Communicating across cultures
When and when not to cohere: A group experience in Singapore
What gets in the way of a cross-cultural group from becoming cohesive? It’s not easy, after all, to bring a group of distributed, culturally diverse people together, especially those who work in different functions. But there are many procedural, structural and behavioral considerations that shed light on the answers. Continue reading
Group Harmony vs. Speaking Up – China/Colombia/US
I asked the team I was working with in China to identify their strengths. The words “good communication between us” made it on the flip chart page immediately….only to add to it later a few [???} question marks. The team … Continue reading
World Cup or American Football? …What Your Preference May Say about You
I’m enjoying the irst match of the World Cup 2010 between South Africa and Mexico match right now and remember writing a piece on the topic in 2006 (still in the Quick Tips section of the website). The piece looks … Continue reading
Note to self: Don’t say what you’re NOT going to do
In indirect cultures, a standard piece of advice is to not be too direct or risk the possiblity of damaging a relationship. This week, here in China, I was reminded just how sensitive this point can be. I was teeing … Continue reading
A globalized world means being more aware of individual cultures…
In the case that you’re still thinking that a globalized world means less attention to adaptation of local cultures, read this. New York Times article, April 18th: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/arts/18abroad.html?th&emc=th An excerpt: “The common denominator of popular culture …seems to have just … Continue reading
Do you pull your weight in your team? Try the “high performing” team checklist.
I’m working with a leadership team right now that has asked how they can get to the next level together. They have already experienced noteworthy successes together — becoming much more cohesive, open to feedback and change, as well as … Continue reading
Cómo eliminar tortas atoradas y cuellos de botella en tu equipo
(VERSION IN ENGLISH IS BELOW.) En un restaurante Subway pedí una torta de 12 pulgadas. Me asombró la velocidad y eficiencia con que el joven empleado juntaba y armaba los ingredientes principales. Era increíblemente ágil. (Habiendo pedido muchas tortas Subway … Continue reading
How to eliminate “sandwich jams” and “bottle necks” in your team
(VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL ARRIBA.) At a Subway shop I ordered a 12 inch sandwich. I was absolutely amazed by the speed and efficiency by which the tall, young employee gathered and assembled the main ingredients. He was fast. (Having ordered … Continue reading
X’s and O’s
My coaching colleague from Istanbul asks me, what’s XO? Good to know what has made it into the global language data base and what has not. I am usually quite careful when selecting expressions and was suprised that this one … Continue reading
“Gifting” to an American colleague
“We would like to give a gift to an American woman at the corporate office,” a Mexican client told me. “What do you think would be appropriate, given that I understand Americans get uncomfortable if you give them too big … Continue reading
