Depending on where you live and work, you’re likely to meet people from different cultures. To communicate successfully in today’s multicultural workplace, a change in your outlook may be a necessary first step. You must:- Avoid “us” versus “them” thinking. View all employees of your organization as members of the same team. Remember that you’re working toward shared goals.
- Be aware of your own biases. Assess any stereotypes that you may have about a certain ethnic group, and work to rid yourself of them. Commit yourself to getting to know your co-workers on an individual basis, and judge each of them on his or her own merits.
- Don’t look down on people whose values and experiences are not the same as your own. Accept that there are many different – and equally valid – points of view. Try not to think that your way is the “right” way. Take the opportunity to learn from others who see things differently than you do, and work together to apply these differing viewpoints for the good of the organization.
- Recognize that difficulty communicating in English does NOT mean a lack of intelligence, ability, or ideas. The person has already mastered his or her native language, and is now in the process of learning a new one – which is not an easy thing to do! Your co-worker is simply having trouble expressing himself or herself.
Once you’ve opened your mind to the value of diversity in the workplace, begin thinking about ways to improve your communication with people from other countries, including those for whom English is a second language. Here are some useful tips:
- Understand that communication norms differ across cultures. It may not be possible for you to learn the specific communication differences between all cultures present in your workplace. It’s important, however, to know that a person’s background may affect his or her communication style in many ways. Before |judging words or behavior that may seem “rude” by American standards, consider that the person may be interacting in a way that is well-meaning and proper based on his or her own background. Give people the benefit of the doubt.
- Encourage input from all team members. Try to draw out those who are hesitant to speak up. Let them know that you respect and welcome their ideas.
- Be an active listener. This means paying close attention to what your co-worker is saying, re-stating what you think you’ve heard, and asking him or her to correct or validate your interpretation of the message.
- Adjust the way that you speak and confirm understanding. When communicating with non-native English speakers, talk in a slower pace than you normally do. Do not use slang, clichés, and workplace lingo; use words that are most familiar to the person instead. Avoid giving the person too much information at one time. Repeat the main points in different ways, and ask questions to make sure that your co-worker is clear on your message. Show patience and friendliness. Depending on the type of information that you’re communicating verbally, consider providing it in writing and/or with visual aids as well.
- NEVER make comments or generalizations about a specific group. This, of course, includes ethnic or religious jokes.
Successful communication in a diverse workplace begins with courtesy and respect for your co-workers’ differences. These differences should be welcomed and embraced, not merely accepted or tolerated. Take the time to help your co-workers participate fully in their jobs and work team, and explore the variety of opinions and viewpoints around you!
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