Consider Cross-Cultural Nuances
How carefully do you consider cross-cultural differences in communication and work styles when you’re writing and sending important messages? You probably think about the information you want to impart, but do you really think about your colleagues who’ll be reading it? Are you consciously aware of their diverse cultural backgrounds? Do you consider the best way to engage them across the full range of their diversity
Simple things matter in intercultural communication. Whether it’s the vocabulary you’re using, the way you structure the message, how much background you give or how colleagues access the information, always consider who is going to be on the receiving end. What do you need to do to ensure that they’ll understand your meaning as you intend it, and pay attention to what you’re trying to convey?
I recall consulting with a multinational energy company whose British team had submitted multiple iterations of a key proposal to its American management group, and they were continually rejected. Although the project was full of promise, the Brits couldn’t get funding from their American bosses.
The “fix” was simple and easy for me – cross-cultural awareness training is my business, after all – but I’m not sure the Brits ever saw it as anything other than magic. They neglected to recognize and adapt to cross-cultural differences in communication style, in this case, differences in how their American bosses expected information to be presented. The Americans expected goals outlined upfront and then positively – perhaps even hyperbolically – supported in straightforward language, with possible risks defined later. But the UK team used equivocal, tentative language; and opened with the history of the project, followed by risks. Only towards the end did they get around to listing the benefits and monetary rewards. Lacking sufficient cross-cultural awareness, the Brits didn’t realize that their proposals communicated uncertainty and doubt to the Americans.
It didn’t take very much to help them flex their style – i.e., restructure their presentation – to realize the benefits of diversity-aware communication approaches.
This can work for you, too. Here are a few action steps to consider.
Tips for Creating Cross-Culturally Aware Messages
- Be sure the language you use is understood similarly across diverse cultures. Make sure words are easily understood. Avoid jargon and slang when crossing cultures and generations; always use the simplest word that does the job.
- Illustrations and symbols often do not translate exactly across diverse cultures. Check to be sure they’re not offensive or outdated, cross-culturally.
- Develop a strategy that’ll deliver the right message to other regions. Take care that stories and case studies translate in a way that underscores, not contradicts, your message.
- According to a 2018 Pew Research Center study, millennials are the largest cohort in the US workforce. In addition, we know their extraordinary workplace influence around the globe. Consider their expectations about brevity, vocabulary and how to access information.
- Ask colleagues from other backgrounds to read your communications and give you a “diversity” assessment. Are you speaking only to a small group or is your message designed to reach a multicultural and multi-generational audience?
- If several people – executives, supervisors, line managers – are going to be asked about the information you’re imparting, be sure to give them talking points so they benefit from your cross-cultural awareness.
Want to learn more tips on how to work effectively with different cultures? 
