In today’s global economy, small and medium-sized businesses are faced with the challenge of navigating new cross-cultural interactions. Joelle Machia, Co-Founder of Wanderers Compass, emphasizes the importance of approaching cross-cultural communication with respect and an open mind. She believes that establishing mutual respect takes time and effort, and small teams need to take a grassroots approach to cultural training.
Machia’s small team has a trip planned to visit their Japanese colleagues, so they have already started researching cultural norms. She engages in one-on-one discussions with team members to understand their level of preparedness and how she can support their learning. The key principles of effective cross-cultural communication include being aware of cultural norms, values, and beliefs, listening with eyes and ears, developing language skills, and practicing patience and adaptability.
Establishing cultural sensitivity can pose challenges, especially when dealing with conflicting cultural practices. Machia stresses the importance of respecting other cultures, refraining from directly opposing cultural norms, and finding ways to navigate tricky scenarios without compromising company values. She believes that building a sense of community accountability within the team is crucial for successful cross-cultural communication.
For small to medium-sized businesses, Machia recommends presenting team members with scenarios that could arise in cross-cultural interactions and discussing how to handle them together. Using low-cost resources such as books, news articles, and one-on-one discussions can deepen cultural knowledge and help identify areas where additional training may be needed. Building relationships with team members and interviewing for cultural sensitivity can also help establish personal accountability for cross-cultural communications.
Making mistakes in cross-cultural business interactions can have negative repercussions for a business. Machia emphasizes the importance of investing time and effort into cultural training, as the benefits will pay off in the long run. By prioritizing cultural sensitivity and fostering open communication within the team, small businesses can navigate cross-cultural interactions effectively and build strong partnerships with international colleagues.
