At GW Solutions, we recognize the importance Ot
cross-cultural training for U.S. emnployees working
abroad.If an American doesn't realize this, he or she
might think that an African colleague who spends a
lot of time chatting with co-workers is being lazy or
avoiding doing his or her work.This kind of "straight talk" is seen as a mark
of honesty. But where we see honesty, others
may see rudeness. In some parts of Asia,
open disagreement with colleagues may not
be acceptable because it makes people feel
embarrassed. Instead, you should stop and think
for a while. Afterward you could say, "l agree in
general, but could a different idea work in this
situation?"In many
Atrican countries, for exarnple, getting work done
isn't the only valuable use of time.Understanding these
cultural differences is essential for working in a global
team.And an African worker
might think their American colleague is the rudest
person they've ever met!In the U.S.A., workers generally speak directly,
and they openly disagree with colleagues.For American
workers, punctuality and timetables are always
important.In the West, direct eye contact is good
because it's a sign or ho
In some Asian
cultures, it's polite to looking directly at
your colleagues in order to show respect.Lack of cultural understanding results in
lost contracts and less business.Here are some
examples of what our courses can teach you.Spending time
at work to build close relationships with colleagues
is equaly important.In the U.S.A., written agreements are essential.In China, for example, people generally
place more trust in a person's word than in a signed
contract.people concentrate on
n the task
they are doing.However, it's important to realize
that not all cultures see time in this way.It's important to ask about
your colleague's personal life.Once a good relationship exists, a simple
handshake might be enough to reach a business deal.In the U.S.A., we say that time is money.At work.They usually do not spend a lot of
time on small talk.Business deals are always agreed through a contract
and once it has been signed, we consider it to be
final.The conditions of the agreement don't usually
change without the signing of another contract.But you may do business in places where this is not
the case.And your body language is important,
too.