Intercultural business Communications lesson plans

With the increased globalization of workplace settings across most industries, today’s managers need a more precise understanding of intercultural communication in an effective management strategy. It is important that managers proactively engage in communication skills assessment and make necessary adjustments in order to address the current needs of today’s increasingly diverse workforce. When assessing intercultural communication, it is important to have a plan in place and keep these points in mind:

1. Know Your Team:

While getting to know as many cultures as possible is a noble endeavor, in reality managers are strapped for time like everyone else. If your functional outsourcing group is diverse, or you have recently hired a new group of employees, or your company is reaching out to more overseas investors, then you have a great opportunity to develop more effective intercultural communication skills that will be most applicable to your team as an integrated part of your diversity training initiatives.

A consultant certified with significant coursework in intercultural communication can lead a productive discussion group with managers to elucidate key elements of intercultural communication that can improve employee/client relations and contribute positively to work productivity. Understanding topics such as: international nuances regarding the concept of personal space in business interactions; the connotation of punctuality in meetings and planned interactions; and different perspectives on maintaining eye contact, can help managers create a more conducive and welcoming work environment.

Among the more technical skills a manager with intercultural communications can offer his or her team is an understanding of the fundamental focus of various cultures on the written word (content) versus the manner and delivery of those words (context). Understanding some of these basic principles can provide strong insight into selecting the most effective methods of communicating with and managing your business interactions. Even if you do not get it right all the time, employees and business partners will appreciate your willingness to meet him or her on common ground, and this motivates all parts of your team to work cohesively reaching for the highest potential.