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  • Suggest You - Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication

    Super Resutls Come From Super Selection
    Results come from taking action but great results come from taking the right action.Sometimes we wonder why we are working so hard, so long, so dedicated and yet we are getting nowhere. It seems we are just walking on the treadmill. Why is that? Why am I not moving forward? Why is my business not the success it could be? Why, why, why?The first question I have to ask you is “Are you working the highest payback items in your life, the most important, or are you just working the hottest things that come up.”I know that sounds like a wacko question, and it might just be a wacko question. The point is really simple, how many of us spend our time doing what we like, what we are good at, what we feel like doing or just what feels right, what I think I should be doing?How many of us take time to look at the things we need to do and ask ourselves which are the highest payback items that need to be done? Which ones are going to create the greatest results for me? Which ones are going to take me where I want to go? Not which ones are the hottest, not which ones should be done, but which ones are going to create the greatest results.In our last newsletter we discuss mindstorming. How many of you implemented it and made it work for you. If you did, send me an email and tell me how you made it work.What I want you to do today is think about all the things you need to do, all the things you feel you have to get done today. Then I want you to give each one a weighted nu


    Watch the humour

    In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad.

    Maintain Etiquette

    Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness

    Connections: Business Process Management and Six Sigma
    One of the most powerful ways to improve business processes is combining business process management (BPM) strategies with Six Sigma strategies. BPM strategies emphasize process improvements and automation to drive performance, while Six Sigma uses statistical analysis to drive quality improvements. The two strategies are not mutually exclusive, however, and many companies have discovered that combining BPM and Six Sigma can create dramatic results.BPM basicsLet’s first take a look at the basics of BPM. It uses a four step method to create better processes and improve performance. The steps are as follows:• Map the process (whether new or existing) from start to finish, capturing each step along the way• Execute the process by using people and automated applications, with specific assignments of responsibilities and accountabilities for each step• Manage the process through information flow, actions and related activities• Analyze process performance and metrics, using findings as the basis for continuous process improvementBPM has a strong base in software applications to help streamline and automate processes. At the software level, BPM is commonly applied within a single department or group to improve a specific process.From the software level, BPM expands to a suite of software applications. The suite level enables BPM to link multiple departments or groups that affect processes. It promotes information sharing and accountability through use of a w
    Here are some simple tips to help you improve your cross cultural communication skills:

    Slow Down

    Even when English is the common language in a cross cultural situation, this does not mean you should speak at normal speed. Slow down, speak clearly and ensure your pronunciation is intelligible.

    Separate Questions

    Try not to ask double questions such as, “Do you want to carry on or shall we stop here?” In a cross cultural situation only the first or second question may have been comprehended. Let your listener answer one question at a time.

    Avoid Negative Questions

    Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions and answers. In English we answer ‘yes’ if the answer is affirmative and ‘no’ if it is negative. In other cultures a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ may only be indicating whether the questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response to “Are you not coming?” may be ‘yes’, meaning ‘Yes, I am not coming.’

    Take Turns

    Cross cultural communication is enhanced through taking turns to talk, making a point and then listening to the response.

    Write it Down

    If you are unsure whether something has been understood write it down and check. This can be useful when using large figures. For example, a billion in the USA is 1,000,000,000,000 while in the UK it is 1,000,000,000.

    Be Supportive

    Effective cross cultural communication is in essence about being comfortable. Giving encouragement to those with weak English gives them confidence, support and a trust in you.

    Check Meanings

    When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener. Summarise what has been said in order to verify it. This is a very effective way of ensuring accurate cross cultural communication has taken place.

    Avoid Slang

    Even the most well educated foreigner will not have a complete knowledge of slang, idioms and sayings. The danger is that the words will be understood but the meaning missed.


    Watch the humour

    In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad.

    Maintain Etiquette

    Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness

    Getting Past Major Learning Barriers
    Tom stepped into the meeting room, but from his perspective it might as well have been a jail cell. He was a prisoner in his own work day. Why? The PowerPoint slide projected on the screen said it all. “Welcome to our Refresher Training.” Refresher training might be needed for some people but Tom already knew all this material . . . but the training was mandatory. Besides, he had a desk full of more important work. He told himself how stupid this mandatory training policy was; that he hated to attend training on stuff he knew.Mary’s supervisor asked her to attend the coaching skills training being provided by the company. The problem was that Mary wasn’t a coach. She wasn’t even a supervisor. She didn’t see any value in attending this workshop. All she could think about was, “What good is this going to be for me?”Kat was really excited about the workshop session she had registered for. It was on a topic she was interested in and wanted to learn more about. She saw how mastering these skills would help her reach her goals. She arrived early and sat close to the front. The problem became clear very early on though. The material was too basic. She already knew this stuff! She was disappointed to say the least. She put out her own money and time for something that was going to waste both of those things.I’m guessing you can relate to at least one, and perhaps all of the scenarios you’ve just read. These are just some of the common barriers that get in our way of being the most
    . Let your listener answer one question at a time.

    Avoid Negative Questions

    Many cross cultural communication misunderstandings have been caused by the use of negative questions and answers. In English we answer ‘yes’ if the answer is affirmative and ‘no’ if it is negative. In other cultures a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ may only be indicating whether the questioner is right or wrong. For example, the response to “Are you not coming?” may be ‘yes’, meaning ‘Yes, I am not coming.’

    Take Turns

    Cross cultural communication is enhanced through taking turns to talk, making a point and then listening to the response.

    Write it Down

    If you are unsure whether something has been understood write it down and check. This can be useful when using large figures. For example, a billion in the USA is 1,000,000,000,000 while in the UK it is 1,000,000,000.

    Be Supportive

    Effective cross cultural communication is in essence about being comfortable. Giving encouragement to those with weak English gives them confidence, support and a trust in you.

    Check Meanings

    When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener. Summarise what has been said in order to verify it. This is a very effective way of ensuring accurate cross cultural communication has taken place.

    Avoid Slang

    Even the most well educated foreigner will not have a complete knowledge of slang, idioms and sayings. The danger is that the words will be understood but the meaning missed.


    Watch the humour

    In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad.

    Maintain Etiquette

    Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness

    Going Self-Employed - A Few Handy Hints
    The day you decide to take the plunge and work for yourself will be one of the most life-changing choices you ever make, whether starting a company large or small or as a freelance; from the very first moment of being self-employed, you and you alone will stand or fall by your decisions and actions. You will be responsible for steering your business through all its ups and downs, good times and bad times with no guarantee that everything will turn out right in the end.When you are in charge the buck stops at one place. There is no management line to help with complications; no colleagues to share the blame for mistakes, there is only you to deal with any problems that crop up, only you to decide how those problems are dealt with, and only you to face the consequences of your decisions whether they turn out to be right or wrong. Whilst there are many pitfalls and worries in running your own business, there are by contrast also times of extreme satisfaction, personal achievements, financial rewards and periods when everything runs to perfection – it’s not all doom and gloom but it is most certainly very hard work.There are important issues to be considered by anyone thinking of becoming self-employed and all of them should be given very serious thought. Assuming at this point that you know your chosen field of expertise enough to go it alone, sufficient time to plan the setting up of your business is vital. This part of the process may be a tedious and drawn-out exercise but it is necessary to try and
    communication is enhanced through taking turns to talk, making a point and then listening to the response.

    Write it Down

    If you are unsure whether something has been understood write it down and check. This can be useful when using large figures. For example, a billion in the USA is 1,000,000,000,000 while in the UK it is 1,000,000,000.

    Be Supportive

    Effective cross cultural communication is in essence about being comfortable. Giving encouragement to those with weak English gives them confidence, support and a trust in you.

    Check Meanings

    When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener. Summarise what has been said in order to verify it. This is a very effective way of ensuring accurate cross cultural communication has taken place.

    Avoid Slang

    Even the most well educated foreigner will not have a complete knowledge of slang, idioms and sayings. The danger is that the words will be understood but the meaning missed.


    Watch the humour

    In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad.

    Maintain Etiquette

    Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness

    Women Who Quit Work Abrubtly After Childbirth - Are You the Type?
    According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women will not return to work. Quitting abruptly after childbirth could wreak havoc on your finances, your career and even your relationship with your partner.How can you determine if you are vulnerable to quitting your job abruptly after having your baby? Below are some elements that can contribute to leaving your job:1. You hate your job-Babies have a way of forcing true feelings to the surface. This means that if you hate your job now, while you are pregnant, you might find it physically impossible to leave your baby to return to it afterwards. If this is the case in your life, admit it now and start planning to find a new job, start your own business or take a leave of absence. Now is definitely better than later.2. You are a perfectionist- Being a working mother means trusting others to do things for you but not necessarily like you do them. Practice letting things go around the house a little bit and delegating more at home and at work. Women who insist on doing it all may end up quitting abruptly due to the stress caused by impossibly high standards.3. You are 100% sure that you will be returning to work-Women who refuse to even allow themselves the thought of quitting are prime candidates for leaving abruptly after giving birth. This is sometimes due to feeling cheated by a short maternity leave or simply repressing true feelings about their dual roles. Pregnancy and babies are not about certainties. It is wise to take som
    idence, support and a trust in you.

    Check Meanings

    When communicating across cultures never assume the other party has understood. Be an active listener. Summarise what has been said in order to verify it. This is a very effective way of ensuring accurate cross cultural communication has taken place.

    Avoid Slang

    Even the most well educated foreigner will not have a complete knowledge of slang, idioms and sayings. The danger is that the words will be understood but the meaning missed.


    Watch the humour

    In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad.

    Maintain Etiquette

    Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness

    Career Talk: A Day In The Life Of A Lawyer
    A lawyer is a person who is authorized by the state or country to practice law, give advice to his or her clients and represent their legal matters in the courts. According to classes or ranks of jurists lawyers can be designated as advocate, attorney, barrister, counselor and solicitor. A lawyer has to study law and new laws on a regular basis to stay up to date in order to protect their clients. This is the basics of a career in law, protecting your client’s freedoms and rights.A Day In The Life Of A Lawyer.1. Get ready to travel: Lawyers spend most of their time in offices and courtrooms. They travel to meet their clients wherever they are and homes, business places, even emergency rooms in hospitals and state or federal prisons can be a fairly regular visit depending on which area of the law a lawyer is involved. They also travel different places for meetings and to gather proof or evidence for their case that they can submit to the courts, legislative bodies, or to other high authorities of the law.2. Irregular work hours may be the norm: Lawyers quite often have irregular work schedules and even work for several hours in discussing with clients or preparing the briefs of the case during non office hours.3. Back to the studying board: A lawyer is also known as an attorney who acts both as an advocate and an advisor in society. The advocates represent one of their clients in criminal or civil trials by arguing and presenting evidence to the court to protect their client. On the othe


    Watch the humour

    In many cultures business is taken very seriously. Professionalism and protocol are constantly observed. Many cultures will not appreciate the use of humour and jokes in the business context. When using humour think whether it will be understood in the other culture. For example, British sarcasm usually has a negative effect abroad.

    Maintain Etiquette

    Many cultures have certain etiquette when communicating. It is always a good idea to undertake some cross cultural awareness training or at least do some research on the target culture.


    Cross cultural communication is about dealing with people from other cultures in a way that minimises misunderstandings and maximises your potential to create strong cross cultural relationships. The above tips should be seen as a starting point to greater cross cultural awareness.

    For more information on cross cultural communication training please visit http://www.kwintessential.co.uk

    Neil Payne is Director of London based consultancy http://www.kwintessential.co.uk

    Neil Payne - EzineArticles Expert Author

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